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This homemade stir fry sauce recipe is a GAME CHANGER. It’s easy to make using mostly pantry staples and has an incredible flavor that will elevate nearly any protein or vegetable (including those leftover veggies hiding in your crisper!). The simple sauce can be whipped up in minutes and can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, perfect for quick and healthy weeknight dinners. You can use the sauce in any stir fry you like, or in this DIY Stir Fry Recipe!

A jar of stir fry sauce on a work surface.

Best homemade stir fry sauce

This easy stir fry sauce is like my favorite pair of jeans—it’s versatile, adaptable and can be dressed up or down according to what you have in your fridge (it’s just as fitting with leftover veggie scraps as it is with thinly sliced filet mignon). The sauce is complex yet accessible and can be customized to your own tastes. (Like things spicy? Add more chile paste! Love umami bombs? Throw in more fish sauce!)

A stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks, with a wok alongside.

Gluten free stir fry sauce ingredients:

The sauce is naturally gluten free as long as you use a GF tamari or soy sauce. The ingredient list might look long, but these are mostly items you probably already have in your pantry or fridge!

All of the ingredients for the homemade stir fry sauce arranged on a work surface.
  • Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: helps the sauce coat the vegetables and/or meat
  • Tamari or soy sauce: provides a rich, salty flavor (be sure to use a gluten free brand if you can’t eat gluten)
  • Orange juice: brightens up the sauce and provides a touch of sweetness (you can use lime juice instead)
  • Honey: sweetens and helps thicken the sauce (you can use brown sugar or maple syrup instead)
  • Toasted sesame oil: gives the sauce nutty richness
  • Sriracha or chile sauce: provides a touch of heat
  • Rice vinegar: provides acid, brightening up the sauce
  • Fish sauce (optional): gives the sauce an umami boost
  • Cornstarch: thickens the sauce (you can use arrowroot starch/powder instead)
  • Garlic & ginger: give the sauce an irresistible flavor
Process shot showing a hand pouring soy sauce into the homemade stir fry sauce.

Vegan stir fry sauce

For a vegan stir fry sauce, simply omit the fish sauce.

Can you make the sauce ahead?

Yes! This homemade stir fry sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Whip it up over the weekend for a quick and easy mid-week meal.

Hand shaking a jar of homemade stir fry sauce.

FAQ


How do you make stir fry sauce from scratch?

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl or jar, and whisk or shake them to combine. Be sure to whisk the sauce well before using, as the cornstarch will settle on the bottom. 

What can I substitute for cornstarch?

You can substitute arrowroot starch/flour for cornstarch. 

What can I put in my stir fry?

You can use nearly any combination of vegetables and/or proteins in your stir fry. For the veggies, think seasonally! Everything from broccoli, to bell peppers, to asparagus, snap peas, greens, mushrooms and/or squash work well. As far as proteins go, thinly sliced beef or chicken (or pork!), cubed tofu or fresh shrimp are all delicious. Be sure to check out this post on how to make an easy stir fry!

Close up of a stir fry in a wok, coated in the stir fry sauce.

Tips for making homemade stir fry sauce:

  • Use this stir fry sauce in this customizable Stir Fry Recipe!
  • You can make the sauce in a bowl with a whisk, or you can shake it up in a jar with a lid.
  • For a gluten free stir fry sauce, use gluten free tamari or GF soy sauce. 
  • For a vegan sauce, omit the fish sauce.
  • You can swap out the orange juice for lime juice. 
  • You can swap out the honey for brown sugar or maple syrup.
  • You can swap out the cornstarch for arrowroot starch/flour. 

Other easy sauces:

Easy dinners you might like:

Get the recipe!

A jar of stir fry sauce on a work surface.
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Easy Homemade Stir Fry Sauce (for any stir fry!)

With this easy homemade stir fry sauce in your repertoire, you can whip up a stir-fry anytime! The sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used with nearly any combination of vegetables and/or meat (think beef, chicken, tofu or shrimp) – use it in this easy, customizable stir fry recipe. You can make the sauce up to 5 days in advance and store it in the fridge (perfect for meal prep!). The fish sauce provides an umami boost, but you can omit it for a vegan version. Be sure to whisk or shake the sauce before using, as the cornstarch will settle at the bottom. See the Notes below for ingredient swap ideas!
Prep Time10 mins
Total Time10 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy stir fry sauce, homemade stir fry sauce, stir fry sauce recipe
Servings: 4 people
Author: Nicki Sizemore

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons Sriracha or chile sauce
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 garlic clove, grated
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Instructions

  • In small bowl or jar, whisk or shake everything together until the honey and cornstarch are dissolved. The sauce is ready to go, but be sure to whisk or shake it again before using, as the cornstarch will settle at the bottom.

Notes

Do Ahead: The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature and whisk or shake it well before using.
Tips:
  • Use this stir fry sauce in this customizable Stir Fry Recipe!
  • You can make the sauce in a bowl with a whisk, or you can shake it up in a jar with a lid.
  • For a gluten free stir fry sauce, use gluten free tamari or GF soy sauce. 
  • For a vegan sauce, omit the fish sauce.
  • You can swap out the orange juice for lime juice. 
  • You can swap out the honey for brown sugar or maple syrup.
  • You can swap out the cornstarch for arrowroot starch/flour. 

Stay Connected!

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