Introduction:
When you’re in the mood for a quick and flavorful stir-fry, having a great sauce on hand is key. This Sweet and Spicy Stir-fry Sauce is a simple yet bold addition that can transform any stir-fry dish into a restaurant-quality meal. The combination of soy sauce, sugar, and spices creates a balanced sweet, savory, and spicy flavor profile that pairs beautifully with vegetables, chicken, beef, or tofu.
One of the best parts about this recipe is that it comes together in minutes with basic pantry ingredients, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have much time to spare. Plus, the sauce can be stored in the fridge, so you’ll always have it ready when the craving strikes!
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Preparation:
Step 1: In a medium-sized pan or small saucepan, combine all the ingredients: onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne powder, red pepper flakes, sugar, soy sauce, water, and cornstarch.
Step 2: Turn the heat to medium and whisk the ingredients together until the cornstarch has dissolved completely. This will help prevent any lumps from forming.
Step 3: Allow the mixture to simmer on medium heat. Stir continuously to avoid burning the sauce at the bottom of the pan. As the sauce heats up, the cornstarch will begin to thicken the mixture.
Step 4: Continue cooking and stirring for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Once thickened, remove the pan from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly before transferring it to a jar or container.
Step 6: Pour the sauce into a clean jar or airtight container, then seal and store it in the refrigerator. The sauce will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Cooking Notes:
- Spice Level Adjustment: If you prefer a spicier sauce, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or cayenne powder. Start with an additional 1/4 teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired level of heat.
- Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken up further.
- Stir Constantly: Stirring the sauce frequently while it simmers ensures that the cornstarch doesn’t clump, giving you a smooth sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- Vegetable Stir-fry: Toss with sautéed broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas for a quick and healthy dinner.
- Chicken or Beef Stir-fry: Drizzle the sauce over pan-fried chicken or beef strips for a delicious meal that pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.
- Tofu Stir-fry: Add the sauce to crispy tofu cubes for a vegetarian-friendly option that’s packed with flavor.
- Noodles: You can use this sauce as a coating for stir-fried noodles. Simply pour it over the noodles once they’re cooked and stir well to coat.
Tips:
- Storage: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the sauce becomes too thick when stored, reheat it gently on the stovetop and stir in a little water to loosen it.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your taste preferences. You can add ginger for an extra zing or some honey for a sweeter touch.
- Double Batch: This sauce is so versatile that you may want to make a double batch! It’s perfect for making quick weeknight dinners easier.
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cooking Time:
7 minutes
Total Time:
12 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 35
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
Conclusion:
This Sweet and Spicy Stir-fry Sauce is a simple yet powerful addition to your cooking arsenal. With its bold blend of spices and savory soy sauce balanced by a touch of sweetness, this sauce adds an instant burst of flavor to any stir-fry dish. Not only is it incredibly easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, but it’s also customizable to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking to liven up vegetables, meats, or tofu, this versatile sauce will have you covered!
So Easy Sweet and Spicy Stir-fry Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
Step 1: In a medium-sized pan or small saucepan, combine all the ingredients: onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne powder, red pepper flakes, sugar, soy sauce, water, and cornstarch.
Step 2: Turn the heat to medium and whisk the ingredients together until the cornstarch has dissolved completely. This will help prevent any lumps from forming.
Step 3: Allow the mixture to simmer on medium heat. Stir continuously to avoid burning the sauce at the bottom of the pan. As the sauce heats up, the cornstarch will begin to thicken the mixture.
Step 4: Continue cooking and stirring for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Once thickened, remove the pan from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly before transferring it to a jar or container.
Step 6: Pour the sauce into a clean jar or airtight container, then seal and store it in the refrigerator. The sauce will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 35
- Sodium: 300mg
- Protein: 1g