Name: Sweet and Spicy Homemade Stir Fry Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 9 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 4 tablespoon water (divided); 2 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons ginger (fresh, peeled and minced); 1 teaspoon garlic (fresh, minced); 1 tsp chili flakes; 2 tbsp white vinegar; 3 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp tomato paste

There’s something about a good stir-fry sauce that just transforms a meal, isn’t there? Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for a sweet and spicy Asian-inspired sauce that’s as quick to make as it is bursting with flavor.

With the boldness of garlic and ginger, a little heat from red pepper, and that irresistible savory kick, this sauce has all the right notes to take your cooking to the next level.

What I love most about this stir-fry sauce is its versatility. Toss it with noodles for a quick dinner, brush it on chicken as a marinade, or use it as a dipping sauce for veggies—it’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again.

A white bowl filled with rich red tomato sauce, placed on a white marble surface. Beside it, there is a brass spoon and a small dish with red pepper flakes in the background.

Homemade Easy To Make Stir Fry Sauce

This stir-fry sauce is a flavor-packed gem you’ll want to keep on hand! With fresh garlic, zesty ginger, and a pinch of chili flakes for heat, it’s perfectly balanced with a touch of honey, savory soy sauce, and rich tomato paste for depth.

The best part? It’s so simple to make—no fancy gadgets required!

What makes this sauce a real kitchen hero is its versatility. Use it to transform a bowl of ramen, or as a dipping sauce for dumplings—it’s an instant upgrade. I love drizzling it over chicken, tofu, or even my morning eggs when I’m craving a little spice to start the day.

It’s not just for proteins, either. Toss it with roasted Brussels sprouts, drizzle it on grilled veggies, or use it as a quick glaze for your favorite stir-fry. You can even get creative and slather it on wings or serve it as a dip for chicken nuggets—trust me, it works with everything!

If you love the bold, sweet, and spicy flavors of this stir-fry sauce, you’ll want to check out these recipes! Try the Easy Asian Noodles and Steak for a quick and satisfying meal, or spice things up with Asian Noodles Lao Gan Ma for layers of rich flavor. For a protein-packed option, the Spicy Thai Chicken pairs beautifully with this sauce, and don’t miss the Thai Spice Seasoning Blend—a perfect match for any Asian-inspired dish!

Ingredients Needed

Ginger Root: Choose firm pieces with smooth, unwrinkled skin and no soft spots. Smaller pieces work well, and leftovers can be frozen.
Garlic Bulb: Look for firm, heavy bulbs with tight, unbroken skins. Avoid sprouting or soft spots.
Vegetable Oil: Opt for a neutral oil like canola or sunflower if needed. Buy a small bottle unless you use it often.
Cornstarch: Pick a box or canister; it stores well and lasts a long time.
Chili Flakes: Look for crushed red pepper flakes with a vibrant red color for freshness and flavor.
White Vinegar: Ensure the label says “distilled white vinegar” for the right tangy flavor.Honey: Choose pure honey without added sugars for the best taste. Generic brands are usually just as good.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a great option if you prefer less salt. Store leftovers in a cool, dark place.
Tomato Paste: Tubes are ideal if you only need a small amount—they reseal and last longer than cans.

📝 Note: You can find the full recipe with ingredients and measurements in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

How To Make Homemade Stir Fry Sauce

The opening sentence about making this recipe.

Make A Thickener

Start by preparing the cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth, then set it aside for later.

A bowl of white liquid with a rustic brown wooden spoon resting inside, set against a plain white background.

Sautee

Next, cook the aromatics. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat, and add the minced ginger and garlic. Stir constantly and let them cook for about 2 minutes, just until they become fragrant.

A saucepan with melted butter and minced garlic is being stirred by a wooden spoon, sitting on a white surface.

Combine Ingredients

Now it’s time to combine the ingredients. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of water, chili flakes, vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and tomato paste. Mix everything together thoroughly to combine the flavors.

To thicken the sauce, bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.

A saucepan filled with rich, red barbecue sauce. A wooden spoon is resting inside, indicating the sauce has been freshly stirred. The sauce has a smooth texture and is placed on a white background.

Finally, serve the sauce immediately, or let it cool and store it for later use. It’s a fantastic addition to stir-fries, noodles, or as a flavorful dipping sauce!

Gina’s Tips For Recipe Sucess

I’ve got some handy tips to take your stir-fry sauce to the next level:

Start with fresh garlic and ginger – not the kind already chopped up in a jar.
Cook aromatics briefly (1-2 minutes) until fragrant, but don’t burn
Adjust chili flakes to your spice preference.
Try apple cider or rice vinegar instead of white for variety.
Store in the fridge up to 2 weeks in an airtight container
Pro Tip: I like to make a big batch and keep it on hand for quick weeknight meals. The spices help it stay fresh longer than other sauces.

A bowl of rich, dark red barbecue sauce with a wooden spoon resting in it. The sauce appears thick and smooth, with visible specks of seasoning. The bowl is set against a plain white background.

Storing Leftovers

After cooking the sauce, allow it to cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation, which can dilute the sauce or promote spoilage.
Transfer the sauce to an airtight container or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. (A mason jar works great)
Write the date on the container so you’ll know how long it’s been stored. Trust me, this will come in handy when you’re meal prepping later.
Store the sauce in the fridge for up to 1 week.

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⚖️ Need a big batch to feed a crowd? You can easily change the number of servings in the recipe card below by tapping 2x or 3x. The ingredient measurements will automatically double or triple. You can then tap print and there you have it, a recipe for a crowd.

Do you have a question?

Do you have a question about this recipe❓ I will answer in the comment form below👇🏼 the recipe card. Did you make this recipe? If so, could you be a gem and leave a comment and rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below? This helps others find yummy 😋 recipes to make for their family and friends.

Sweet and Spicy Homemade Stir Fry Sauce

Homemade Easy To Make Stir Fry Sauce

Ingredients Needed