All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce

A beloved staple in Asian kitchens, this versatile sauce brings depth and harmony to everything from sizzling meats to vibrant vegetables.  In restaurants, it’s the quiet hero behind countless stir-fried dishes.  At home, having a jar ready in the fridge means you’re just moments away from a flavorful meal. Whether you're cooking for omnivores or vegetarians, this recipe adapts beautifully with just a few tweaks.

🌟 Ingredients:

• 1 cup oyster sauce (use vegetarian oyster sauce for plant-based version)
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup vinegar (rice vinegar preferred)
• ¼ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup cooking wine (Shaoxing or dry sherry works well)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp bouillon powder (chicken or mushroom, depending on preference)

🔥 Durations:

1.    Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.

2.    Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.

3.    Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.

4.    Transfer to a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

5.    Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

🍽️ Usage Tip:

For each stir-fry dish, use approximately ¼ cup of sauce per serving.  Adjust to taste depending on the ingredients and desired intensity.

Alternative ingredients can be used:

🧂 Umami Base:

OriginalAlternatives

Oyster sauce , Vegetarian oyster sauce (made from mushrooms), hoisin sauce, mushroom soy sauce.

Chicken bouillon powder , Mushroom bouillon, vegetable stock powder, miso paste (adds depth and saltiness).

🍶 Salty & Savory:

OriginalAlternatives

Soy sauce Tamari (gluten-free), liquid aminos, coconut aminos (lower sodium & sweeter).

🍭 Sweetness:

OriginalAlternatives

Sugar , Honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, coconut sugar, or a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit (adjust to taste).

🍷 Tang & Acidity:

OriginalAlternatives

Vinegar : Rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, lemon juice.

Ketchup , Tomato paste + a touch of sugar and vinegar, chili sauce for a spicy kick.

🍸 Aromatic Depth:

OriginalAlternatives

Cooking wine , Shaoxing wine, dry sherry, mirin (sweeter), sesame oil or omit and add a splash of vinegar for brightness.