Easy Gluten Free stir fry sauce
If you’re tired of buying stir-fry sauces filled with ingredients you can’t pronounce, this homemade gluten-free version is for you. Made with tamari and cornstarch, it’s a simple, flavorful sauce you can prep ahead and keep in the fridge for a week.
Making a stir-fry sauce from scratch might sound fancy, but it’s one of those cooking basics that will instantly elevate your kitchen game. Forget about those premade bottles filled with questionable ingredients.
This gluten-free stir fry sauce uses tamari to keep things safe for those avoiding gluten, and it’s thickened with cornstarch.
I like to whip it up earlier in the day, stash it in the fridge, and then just give it a good stir when I’m ready to cook. It’ll last at least a week in the fridge, so you’ve got plenty of time to use it up.
The beauty of this sauce is how customizable it is. I kept it pretty basic, but you can easily tweak it. If you’re into garlic and ginger, throw them in while cooking. Want to add some scallions? Go for it. If you like your stir-fry sauce on the sweeter side, toss in a little extra brown sugar. The options are endless!
Gather Your Ingredients
- Tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce alternative)
- Water
- Toasted sesame oil (adds that nutty, rich flavor)
- Rice wine vinegar (for a bit of tang)
- Brown sugar (sweetness balances out the salty)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, if you like a little spice)
- Cornstarch – for thickening!
Recipe Tidbits
When making this sauce, be sure to add the water last and taste as you go. You don’t want to thin out the sauce too much, so keep the water to a minimum. Since tamari can be on the salty side, go easy on the salt when you’re adding it to the recipe. You can always adjust the seasoning later!
How to Use This Sauce
This stir-fry sauce is a total multitasker. Of course, it’s perfect for all kinds of stir-fries, but it doesn’t stop there. You can also use it as a marinade for chicken, beef, tofu, or shrimp before grilling or baking for extra flavor.
It works great as a dipping sauce for dumplings, spring rolls, or crispy chicken tenders. Want a glaze? Brush it over grilled meats or veggies. Need a quick meal? Toss it with ramen noodles or drizzle it over rice or grain bowls. It even works in soups to give broths a savory kick.
Gluten Free Stir Fry Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup tamari
- 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1-2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water, drizzle in slowly to taste
- pinch red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Whisk together all ingredients except for the water in a measuring cup. Slowly drizzle in the water to taste. If you like a stronger flavor, use less water. Keep in the fridge for up to a week and give it a good stir before use.