Get ready to level up all your dishes with my Soy Garlic Sauce! This simple Japanese-style sauce is infused with the rich flavors of soy sauce, garlic, and umami, making it perfect for stir-fries, grilled dishes, or even as a dipping sauce! I crafted this recipe to be super easy and fuss-free, allowing you to whip it up in under two minutes, so you can always have a burst of flavor ready whenever you need it!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about my Soy Garlic Sauce is how super simple yet incredibly versatile it is, bringing a signature Japanese flavor to any dish! This sauce is perfect for everything from my Soy Garlic Beef Cubes to Soy Garlic Chicken, and it even enhances fresh rice, transforming it into a delicious Soy Garlic Rice dish! The best part is how extremely convenient it is to make and use, just like my Pepper Lunch Sauce and Japanese Style Pork Stir Fry Sauce! Simply boil out the alcohol in the sake, blend everything together, and let it settle in the fridge, ready to boost your meals for up to 3-4 weeks!
The sweet and savory notes, packed with garlic and umami, make it an essential for anyone who wants to add depth to their cooking with minimal effort! Whether you’re looking to drizzle it over stir-fries, use it as a dipping sauce, or flavor your rice, this recipe is for anyone wanting a quick and flavorful addition to their meals. So, let’s get cooking and make this incredible sauce today!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Soy Sauce – low-sodium Soy Sauce preferred. Can also use tamari for gluten-free.
- Japanese Sake – typically will come in a large bottle labeled junmai sake. Can also substitute with dry sherry wine or Chinese cooking wine, found at local grocery stores or Asian markets.
- Sweetener – use your preferred sweetener.
- Garlic– fresh whole garlic cloves.
- Bonito Flakes – made from shaved Dried Bonito fish. Provides the majority of the umami flavor found in the sauce. Can also use 1/2 tsp of Hondashi as a direct replacement.
- Onion – yellow or brown onion, diced.
🍶 Mirin Note
While Mirin, can be used to make this soy garlic sauce, we’ve modified this recipe to accommodate areas where mirin might not be readily available by adjusting the amounts of sake and sweetener used instead.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Directions
Step 1 Start by boiling out Japanese sake in a skillet for 15-20 seconds.
🍶Boiling Sake Pro Tip
For a quicker alternative to boiling sake, you can simply Microwave for 30-45 Seconds.
Step 2 Combine boiled sake, soy sauce, sweetener, garlic, onions, and bonito flakes or hondashi in a blender. Blend for 5-10 seconds until all the ingredients are well mixed, then store in an airtight container in the fridge.
🥢 Serving Pro Tip
For best taste, I recommend letting the sauce Settle in the Fridge for at least 30 Minutes.
Recipe Variations
You can easily customize my Soy Garlic Sauce to suit your taste. If you enjoy a spicy kick, add ground red pepper to create a Spicy Soy Garlic Sauce using the same ingredients and preparation method. This simple addition brings heat to the sweet and savory base, perfect for spicing up your dishes!
Pairing Recommendations
The best part of this sauce is how it elevates any stir-fry and really levels it up! For a hearty meal, stir-fry cubed steaks to create my Soy Garlic Beef Cubes, which are tender and flavorful. Alternatively, use cubed chicken thigh to whip up my Soy Garlic Chicken, delivering a delicious, juicy option. If you’re looking for a simple side, mix fresh rice with corn to make my Soy Garlic Rice, which pairs perfectly with any protein. These dishes showcase the sauce’s versatility, demonstrating how easy it is to add delicious flavor to your meals!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the bubbles normal in the sauce?
Yes, it's completely normal for air bubbles to form in the sauce after blending. Simply leave the sauce in the fridge overnight, and the bubbles will disappear as the sauce settles.
What are the best uses for this sauce?
It’s great for stir-fries, dipping sauces, or as a flavorful addition to rice, vegetables, and proteins.
Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, you can substitute low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The sauce can be made in advance and stored, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, simply transfer them into an airtight container and place them in the fridge. When stored properly, the leftovers can last for 21-30 days.
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Watch How To Make It
Soy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/3 Cup Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Japanese Sake
- 1 tbsp Sweetener your preferred sweetener
- 10-12 Cloves Garlic
- 2 tbsp Bonito Flakes can sub with 1/2 tsp Hondashi
- 1/2 tbsp Onion diced for measuring
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Start by boiling out Japanese sake in a skillet for 15-20 seconds.
- Combine boiled sake, soy sauce, sweetener, garlic, onions, and bonito flakes or hondashi in a blender. Blend for 5-10 seconds until all the ingredients are well mixed, then store in an airtight container.
