Get ready to elevate your meals with my Spicy Soy Garlic Sauce! This simple Japanese-style sauce is infused with the rich flavors of soy sauce and garlic, plus a spicy kick from chili oil that takes all of your dishes to the next level! It’s incredibly easy to whip up in less than two minutes, making it perfect for stir-fries, grilled dishes, or even drizzling over your bowl of steamed rice. Trust me, once you have this versatile sauce on hand, you’ll be reaching for it time and time again!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
I crafted this Spicy Soy Garlic Sauce as a simple way to bring authentic Japanese flavors right into your kitchen! This versatile sauce is perfect for everything from stir-fries, like my Soy Garlic Chicken and Soy Garlic Beef Cubes, to a simple drizzle over freshly made rice for that extra spicy kick like in my Spicy Garlic Rice Bowl! What makes it so special is that it can be made in just under two minutes and stored in the fridge for up to 30 days, ensuring you always have a flavorful option on hand!
Using my Soy Garlic Sauce as the base, and it truly bursts with umami and savory garlic flavors, complemented by a delightful heat that lingers just enough to elevate any dish! This sauce is perfect for anyone looking to add a punch of flavor effortlessly! Trust me, once you have this sauce on hand, you’ll be reaching for it again and again! Make this recipe today and experience the magic for yourself!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Soy Sauce – low-sodium Soy Sauce preferred. Can also use tamari for gluten-free. Used as the base of the sauce.
- 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. Used as the base flavor of the sauce.
- 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.
- Chili Oil – also known as “La Yu” and can be found in most Asian supermarkets. Add the spiciness to the sauce.
🍶 Mirin Note
While Mirin, can be used to make this spicy 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, chili oil, 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.
🥢 Serving Pro Tip
For best taste, I recommend letting the sauce Settle in the Fridge for at least 30 Minutes.
Recipe Variations
To make a milder version, simply omit the chili oil to create my Soy Garlic Sauce. This variation keeps the same delicious umami and garlic flavors without the heat, making it perfect for anyone who prefers a gentler taste!
Pairing Recommendations
This sauce is perfect for pairing with simple stir-fries using chicken or beef cubes, adding a delicious kick to your meal. It also mixes wonderfully into fresh rice to create my Spicy Garlic Rice Bowl, turning a simple bowl of rice into a flavorful bite!
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.
Can I adjust the spice level in this sauce?
Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level in this sauce by modifying the amount of chili oil you use. Add more chili oil for extra heat or reduce it for a milder flavor to suit your taste!
Can I use this sauce as a marinade?
Yes, you can definitely use this as a marinade! I recommend adding a touch of dashi or water to thin it out slightly, which will help it soak into the meat or vegetables more effectively.
What dishes can I use this sauce with?
You can use this sauce with just about anything! It's fantastic with chicken, beef, or vegetables, and it even pairs wonderfully with grilled fish.
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.
Other Recipes You Might Like
Watch How To Make It
Spicy 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
- 1 tsp Chili Oil la yu
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Add Japanese sake to a skillet and let it boil for 15-20 seconds.
- In a blender, mix together boiled sake, soy sauce, chili oil, sweetener, garlic, onions, and bonito flakes or hondashi. Blend for 5-10 seconds until everything is fully combined, then transfer the mixture to an airtight container for storage.
