3-Ingredient Stir-Fry Sauce

This 3-Ingredient Stir-Fry Sauce is the ultimate solution for quick, flavorful meals. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or looking to jazz up leftovers, this simple sauce brings bold, balanced flavor in just minutes. It’s savory, slightly sweet, and perfect for coating vegetables, meat, tofu, or noodles—no fancy ingredients or cooking skills needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 3 pantry-friendly ingredients
• Versatile—works with any stir-fry combo
• Quick and easy—ready in under 5 minutes
• No need for bottled sauces or marinades
• Customizable with additional flavors
• Naturally dairy-free and easily made gluten-free
• Budget-friendly and great for meal prepping
• Stores well in the fridge
• A great way to add restaurant-style flavor at home
• Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
• Brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup for a natural sweetener)
• Cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
• Optional: garlic, ginger, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, or rice vinegar for extra depth

directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch until fully dissolved and smooth.
2. Heat a pan or wok over medium-high heat and cook your stir-fry ingredients (veggies, meat, tofu, etc.) as desired.
3. Pour the sauce over the cooked ingredients and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and evenly coats everything.
4. Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice, noodles, or grains.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes about ¾ cup of sauce (serves 2–4 depending on dish size)
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 2–3 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Variations

• Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar
• Add minced garlic and fresh ginger for aromatic depth
• Stir in chili flakes or Sriracha for a spicy version
• Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for tang
• Mix in sesame oil for a nutty finish
• Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative
• Double or triple the recipe for meal prep or larger servings

storage/reheating

To Store: Keep leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
To Freeze: Freeze in small portions (like ice cube trays) for up to 1 month.
To Reheat: Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave, stirring until smooth. Add a splash of water if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, mix it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Can I add more ingredients?

Absolutely—this is a base sauce. Add garlic, ginger, sesame oil, or chili paste for extra flavor.

How do I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or chili garlic sauce to taste.

Will it work with any protein?

Yes, it pairs well with chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, or tempeh.

Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?

Yes, though brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor.

How thick does it get?

The cornstarch thickens the sauce once heated—it becomes glossy and clings well to food.

Can I use flour instead of cornstarch?

Cornstarch works best, but you can use arrowroot or a cornstarch-flour mix in a pinch.

Does it taste too salty?

Use low-sodium soy sauce or adjust the sugar to balance the saltiness.

What veggies go well with this sauce?

Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, bok choy, and onions are all great choices.

Conclusion

This 3-Ingredient Stir-Fry Sauce is your go-to for fast, flavorful meals without the fuss. It’s simple, reliable, and endlessly versatile—whether you’re making a last-minute dinner or prepping lunches for the week. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a delicious, glossy stir-fry that tastes like it came straight from your favorite takeout spot.

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