Description

This Chinese Garlic Sauce is a quick and easy homemade brown stir-fry sauce. It features a savory, garlicky, and slightly sweet flavor profile, perfect for enhancing vegetables, tofu, noodles, and more. It’s vegan and can be made gluten-free.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup vegetable broth
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns (optional)
2 teaspoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry (optional)
1/2 tablespoon neutral vegetable oil
4 teaspoons garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together vegetable broth, soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, cornstarch, and optional ingredients like Szechuan peppercorns or rice wine. This is your Chinese garlic sauce base.
Heat the neutral vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
Give the sauce mixture another quick whisk, then pour it into the pan with the garlic and ginger.
Stir continuously while bringing the sauce to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the Chinese garlic sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Use immediately or store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

Sweetener Alternatives: Agave, brown sugar, or date syrup can be used instead of maple syrup.
Soy-Free Option: Substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos.
Thickener Options: Arrowroot, tapioca starch, or potato starch can be used instead of cornstarch.
Heat Level: Increase red pepper flakes or add chili oil/sriracha for more spice.
Oil-Free Option: Sauté garlic and ginger with a splash of broth instead of oil.

Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Category: Sauce / Condiment
Method: Stir-fry
Cuisine: Asian / Chinese-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 servings
Calories: 58 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: N/A
Fat: 1 g
Saturated Fat: N/A
Unsaturated Fat: N/A
Trans Fat: N/A
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: N/A

Keywords: Chinese Garlic Sauce, Brown Stir-Fry Sauce, Homemade Chinese Garlic Sauce, Easy Chinese Garlic Sauce, Authentic Chinese Garlic Sauce, Garlic Brown Sauce Chinese Style, Chinese Takeout Garlic Brown Sauce