10 Best Stir-Fry Sauces (+ Easy Recipes)

These stir-fry sauces will surely be a hit when you bust out the wok for dinner!

From the rich, savory classics to innovative, zesty blends, they can transform your stir-fry into a symphony of flavors.

Make a big batch, and keep a bottle on hand when you need a dinnertime flavor injection. 

These homemade recipes are so much better than store-bought.

So, put down that bottle of Kikkoman teriyaki and give these amazing stir-fry sauces a try. Get ready to unleash the magic in your wok!

1. Korean BBQ Sauce

What’s great about this Korean BBQ sauce is it’s incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for an old-fashioned Korean BBQ, but works great in stir-fries, too!

The sweet and tangy flavors are an ideal backdrop for any protein from pork, seafood, or crispy veggies. 

And it delivers just the right amount of heat but won’t melt your tastebuds. 

2. Szechuan Sauce 

You can buy Szechuan sauce at the supermarket, but it won’t taste nearly as good as this recipe. 

It blends spicy ingredients like red pepper flakes and sweet chili for a punch of heat. And adding brown sugar helps keep the spice in check. 

And it has plenty of garlic to make the veggies sing!

3. Peanut Butter Stir-Fry Sauce 

It doesn’t get much more savory than this peanut butter stir-fry sauce. Peanut butter is such a wonderful add-in. It delivers savory and sweet flavors. 

Plus, it makes this sauce ultra-creamy. 

Pair peanut sauce with nutty sesame oil, a kick of acidity from rice vinegar, and sriracha from spice. It couldn’t be easier!

4. Vegan Stir-Fry Sauce 

Not only is this stir-fry sauce vegan, it’s also gluten-free! But don’t worry, it doesn’t skimp on the flavors. 

If you love the combo of garlic, sesame, and ginger, you’ll love this quick and easy recipe. 

And if you don’t like a spicy stir-fry, this is a great option! It doesn’t incorporate any hot ingredients. 

It’s made with garlic, ginger, sesame, and a little sweetness from maple syrup. That’s it!

5. Teriyaki Sauce 

When you think of stir-fry, you think of teriyaki sauce. And this homemade version tastes light years better than anything on a store shelf. 

It doesn’t shy away from intense flavor. The mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame packs quite the punch. 

Plus, this sauce isn’t spicy, so it’s a perfect option for the entire family. 

6. 3-Ingredient Stir-Fry Sauce 

Is your kitchen woefully low on condiments? No worries! This quick and easy recipe only incorporates three ingredients. 

It coats veggies like a dream for an explosion of salty, nutty flavors. 

If you have cornstarch, honey, and soy sauce, you’re in business!

It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Sometimes, the best things in life are the simplest. 

7. Spicy Stir-Fry Sauce

Where are all my spicy sauce fans? To bring on the heat, let me introduce you to this spicy stir-fry sauce recipe. 

It incorporates all the staples like garlic, sesame, soy sauce, and ginger. But there’s a secret ingredient in there. 

Gochujang sauce adds umami flavor with a punch of spice to take this sauce over the top.  

8. Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Thai sweet chili sauce perfectly balances sweet, spicy, savory, and tangy. 

The inclusion of fresh serrano chilis takes it over the edge. They add a punch of freshness and spiciness. 

Pair those chilis with a dash of lime, garlic, smoked paprika, and ginger. It’s a light and bright sauce to jazz up those veggies. 

Seriously, that stuff you buy in a jar can’t even compare. 

9. Honey Garlic Sauce 

Looking for something on the sweeter side? Enter honey garlic sauce. 

This amazing sauce is a must-try if you can’t get enough garlic. And it only requires five simple ingredients you likely have on hand!

Garlic delivers a punch of savory goodness enhanced by soy sauce and honey. 

It’s thick, delightfully sticky, and oh-so-sweet!

10. Orange Ginger Sauce

Want to recreate the Orange Chinese Chicken option at your local Chinese takeout joint? The secret is in the tangy sauce!

This recipe pairs stir-fry’s greatest hits like ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame. 

But it gets the patented zing from orange juice and zest. This glaze is bright, not too spicy, and pairs so well with smoky veggies. 

How to Store

Here’s how to store these sauces so you can enjoy them whenever you’re ready.

• To Store: These sauces will stay fresh for up to one week in the fridge in an air-tight container. 

• To Freeze: Store them in an air-tight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

Important note: don’t add sauce to your recipe immediately after removing it from the fridge.

Allow the cornstarch to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then, give it a good shake to re-incorporate it. 

How to Thicken Stir-Fry Sauce

Is your stir-fry sauce a little on the watery side? Don’t worry, it’s a super easy fix!

Grab your cornstarch and follow these quick and easy tips to thicken stir-fry sauce. 

• Never add dry cornstarch to the pan. Instead, make a cornstarch slurry by combining equal parts water with cornstarch, and then add to the pan. 

• Fight clumps. Is your cornstarch clumpy? It means the heat is too high, and you aren’t stirring enough. For a smooth consistency, turn down the heat and keep stirring!