Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
3-Ingredient Stir-Fry Sauce

3-Ingredient Stir-Fry Sauce

This easy 3-Ingredient Stir-Fry Sauce recipe is a quick and flavorful sauce made with just soy sauce, a sweetener, and vinegar. Perfect for elevating vegetables, meats, or tofu into savory, well-balanced dishes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights, budget-friendly cooking, and versatile enough to customize with simple additions.

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: About 1/2 cup sauce 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar (or maple syrup/agave nectar for vegan option)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

Optional Variations

  • 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha (for spicy kick)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (for ginger twist)
  • 1 clove minced garlic (for garlic boost)

Instructions

  1. Measure Your Ingredients: Start by measuring equal parts soy sauce and your chosen sweetener, then add half the amount of vinegar. This ratio keeps the flavors balanced and ensures the perfect sauce consistency.
  2. Combine and Whisk: In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce, sweetener, and vinegar together until the sweetener is completely dissolved, creating a smooth, glossy sauce.
  3. Add to Stir-Fry: Pour the sauce into your hot stir-fried vegetables or proteins in the final few minutes of cooking, tossing well to coat every bite evenly.
  4. Simmer Briefly: Allow the sauce to bubble gently for 1-2 minutes so it thickens slightly and clings to your ingredients for maximum flavor.

Notes

  • Taste as you go and adjust sweetness or acidity to suit your palate.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to help control saltiness.
  • Warm the sauce before adding for better integration with your stir-fry.
  • Use fresh vinegar for bright and lively tanginess.
  • Make extra sauce to store and use for future meals.
  • To thicken the sauce, add a cornstarch slurry during cooking and stir until desired thickness.
  • Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • Freeze sauce in small portions using ice cube trays for convenience.
  • Reheat gently on stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain texture.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stir-Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Gluten Free (when using tamari), Vegan (with plant-based sweetener)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 40
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: 3-ingredient stir-fry sauce, quick stir-fry sauce, easy stir-fry sauce, vegan stir-fry sauce, gluten-free stir-fry sauce, simple stir-fry sauce, quick dinner sauce