If you love stir-fries, you know there’s something magical about that glossy, savory “brown sauce” coating your vegetables and proteins. This Chinese Garlic Sauce is one of those game changers. It brings together a punch of garlic and ginger, balanced with sweet, salty, and slightly spicy notes — all without relying on processed flavor enhancers.
This homemade version is quick, easy, and far healthier than the takeout kind. Plus, it’s entirely vegan and gluten-free adaptable. Whether you’re sautéing veggies, tofu, or noodles, this sauce is the perfect companion to bring your dish to life.
What Is Chinese Brown / Garlic Sauce?
Chinese brown sauce is the foundation of many stir-fry dishes. Traditionally, it includes a combination of soy sauce, a sweetener, rice wine or vinegar, garlic, ginger, and a thickener like cornstarch. It’s known for its deep umami flavor, savory aroma, and glossy finish.
In this version, the sauce is completely plant-based and can be customized for dietary preferences. The garlic and ginger give it bold flavor, while the soy sauce and rice vinegar create balance. A touch of sweetness and spice rounds everything out.
This versatile sauce works with almost anything — veggies, tofu, rice, noodles, and even as a dipping sauce.
How to Make Chinese Garlic Sauce
This sauce comes together in just 10 minutes with simple pantry ingredients. Here’s how it’s done:
Chinese Garlic Sauce Recipe
Ingredients (makes about 4 servings):
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns (optional)
- 2 teaspoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry (optional)
- ½ tablespoon neutral vegetable oil (for sautéing)
- 4 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
Sauce Details
- Preparation Time: 7 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Yield: About 1 cup of sauce
- Cuisine: Asian / Chinese-inspired
- Course: Sauce / Condiment
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Sauce Base:
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. - Cook the Aromatics:
Heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add freshly minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. - Add and Thicken the Sauce:
Give the sauce mixture another quick whisk (cornstarch tends to settle), then pour it into the pan. Stir continuously while bringing it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. - Serve or Store:
Use immediately over your favorite stir-fry, or let it cool and store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 58 kcal
- Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Sweetener Alternatives: If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use agave, brown sugar, or even date syrup.
- Make it Soy-Free: Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos if needed.
- Thickener Options: Use arrowroot, tapioca starch, or potato starch instead of cornstarch for a different texture or dietary preference.
- Heat Level: Adjust red pepper flakes or add a splash of chili oil or sriracha for extra spice.
- Oil-Free Option: Skip the oil when sautéing garlic and ginger; just use a splash of broth to keep it low-fat.
Serving Ideas:
- Pour over sautéed broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a quick veggie stir-fry.
- Drizzle on crispy tofu or tempeh for a protein-packed meal.
- Mix into soba noodles or rice noodles for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Use as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, or lettuce wraps.
Why You’ll Love This Sauce
- Quick and easy — ready in 10 minutes
- Made with pantry staples
- Vegan and gluten-free adaptable
- Great for meal prep
- Bold, flavorful, and better than takeout