Stir fry dishes are a staple in many kitchens, celebrated for their vibrant flavors and quick preparation time. One of the secrets to a perfect stir fry lies in the sauce, and today, I’m excited to share my go-to 3 Ingredient Stir Fry Sauce. This simple yet flavorful concoction elevates your stir fry experience without overcomplicating your cooking routine. With just three ingredients, you can whip up a delicious sauce that balances savory, nutty, and slightly thickened textures, perfect for any combination of vegetables, proteins, or grains. Let’s dive into the details so you can get started on creating this delightful addition to your culinary repertoire!
Why It Works Every Time
The beauty of this 3 Ingredient Stir Fry Sauce is its simplicity. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a flavor profile that is both satisfying and versatile. The low-sodium soy sauce anchors the dish with its umami depth, while the toasted sesame oil adds a luxurious, nutty aroma. The cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, giving the sauce a silky texture that clings beautifully to your stir-fried ingredients. Together, these elements create a harmonious blend that enhances your dish, making it a reliable go-to sauce every time.
What We’re Using
- Low-sodium soy sauce: This provides the salty, umami flavor without overwhelming the dish. It’s great for those watching their sodium intake.
- Toasted sesame oil: A little goes a long way! This oil contributes a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the overall taste of your stir fry.
- Cornstarch: This ingredient thickens the sauce, giving it a velvety texture that coats your vegetables and proteins perfectly.
Toolbox for This Recipe
- Measuring spoons: Essential for accuracy when measuring out your ingredients.
- Small mixing bowl: Perfect for combining your ingredients before adding them to the stir fry.
- Whisk or fork: Use this to mix the sauce ingredients thoroughly.
- Stirring utensil: A spatula or wooden spoon to incorporate the sauce with your stir fry ingredients.
3 Ingredient Stir Fry Sauce: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Start by collecting all your ingredients. You’ll need low-sodium soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch. Make sure everything is within reach for an efficient cooking experience.
Step 2: Measure and Mix
In a small mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of low-sodium soy sauce with 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil. Whisk them together until they are well blended.
Step 3: Thicken It Up
Next, add 2 teaspoons of cornstarch to the mixture. Continue whisking until there are no lumps, and the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This step is crucial as it ensures your sauce will thicken properly during cooking.
Step 4: Cook Your Stir Fry
Prepare your choice of vegetables and proteins in a hot pan or wok. Stir fry them until they reach your desired tenderness.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Once your stir fry is cooked, pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients in the pan. Stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat everything evenly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from heat and serve your stir fry hot over rice, noodles, or on its own. Enjoy the delightful flavors of your 3 Ingredient Stir Fry Sauce!
Better-for-You Options
- Use gluten-free soy sauce: For a gluten-free version, substitute low-sodium soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative like tamari.
- Switch to coconut aminos: For a soy-free option, try coconut aminos, which provides a similar umami flavor with less sodium.
- Reduce the sesame oil: If you prefer a lighter flavor, reduce the amount of toasted sesame oil to 1 teaspoon.
- Add garlic or ginger: Enhance the flavor by adding minced garlic or ginger to the sauce for an extra kick.
Notes on Ingredients
When choosing your low-sodium soy sauce, look for varieties that contain no artificial additives. The quality of your toasted sesame oil matters as well; look for a product that is labeled as “toasted” for the best flavor. Cornstarch can be substituted with arrowroot or tapioca starch if you’re looking for a different thickening agent, but the cooking method remains the same.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
This 3 Ingredient Stir Fry Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to make a larger batch, it’s easy to freeze in ice cube trays. Simply pour the sauce into the trays, freeze, and transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for later use. When you’re ready to use them, just pop a cube or two into your stir fry as it cooks, and you’ll have a quick and flavorful sauce ready to go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add more ingredients to the sauce?
Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on three key ingredients, feel free to customize your sauce with additional flavors like minced garlic, ginger, or even a splash of rice vinegar for acidity.
How can I thicken the sauce further?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of cornstarch slightly, but be sure to dissolve it completely in a small amount of cold water before adding it to the stir fry to avoid clumping.
What types of vegetables work best with this sauce?
This sauce pairs well with a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand or your favorites!
Can I use this sauce for meal prep?
Yes! This sauce is fantastic for meal prepping. You can prepare it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and simply add it to your stir fry during the week for a quick meal.
Quick Weeknight Wins
Bring It Home
This 3 Ingredient Stir Fry Sauce is not just about convenience; it’s about bringing flavors together that will leave your taste buds dancing. The next time you’re in a rush and need a quick meal solution, remember this simple recipe. It’s a fantastic way to utilize any vegetables or proteins you have on hand, and it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
With just three ingredients, you can create a sauce that enhances your meals, making them not only easier to prepare but also more delicious. So grab your ingredients, fire up that pan, and enjoy the delightful simplicity of your 3 Ingredient Stir Fry Sauce!
3 Ingredient Stir Fry Sauce
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons Toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons Cornstarch
Instructions
- Start by collecting all your ingredients. You’ll need low-sodium soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of low-sodium soy sauce with 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil. Whisk them together until they are well blended.
- Next, add 2 teaspoons of cornstarch to the mixture. Continue whisking until there are no lumps, and the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Prepare your choice of vegetables and proteins in a hot pan or wok. Stir fry them until they reach your desired tenderness.
- Once your stir fry is cooked, pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients in the pan. Stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat everything evenly.
- Remove from heat and serve your stir fry hot over rice, noodles, or on its own.
Equipment
- Measuring Spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Stirring utensil
Notes
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freeze larger batches in ice cube trays for quick meal prep.
- Feel free to add garlic or ginger for extra flavor.
