This no-cook, three-ingredient stir-fry sauce is a weeknight lifesaver. Made from simple pantry staples, it comes together in minutes and can be prepared in any quantity you need. Adjust it to be sweet, spicy, or a balance of both to suit your taste.
Use this sauce to make this Air Fryer Stir Fry!
If you enjoy Asian-inspired flavors but want a fast option, this versatile sauce delivers. It’s extremely easy to make and perfect for customizing to your family’s preferences.
Because you control the batch size, you can make just enough for one meal or double the recipe to have ready for leftovers, dipping, or marinating.
The flavor is addictive: sweet, savory, and nutty with the classic profile of hoisin, soy, and sesame oil. It works equally well tossed with vegetables and protein, used as a dip for egg rolls, or as a quick marinade.
Related: Asian Dipping Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Hoisin sauce – a rich, thick sauce with sweet and salty notes. It’s my go-to for stir-fries and many Asian-style dishes.
Soy sauce – essential for this recipe. Low-sodium soy sauce is a great choice, though light or dark soy sauce also work. Teriyaki can substitute but may add extra sweetness; check the label if you’re watching sugar or carbs.
Coconut aminos are a lower-sodium, soy-free alternative with a similar savory flavor. They’re a good option if you need gluten-free or soy-free.
Sesame oil – adds a toasty, nutty aroma and helps coat ingredients during cooking. A little goes a long way.
These three ingredients are all you need for a tasty base, but you can easily customize the sauce with optional add-ins:
- Brown sugar or maple syrup for more sweetness
- Red pepper flakes, cayenne, chili garlic paste, or sriracha for heat
- Fresh grated ginger and garlic for brightness
- Rice vinegar for acidity
- Fish sauce or oyster sauce for deeper umami
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 8-ounce mason jar (handy for shaking and storage)
Instructions
There are several simple ways to combine the ingredients. Choose the method that’s most convenient:
Method 1: Add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk vigorously until smooth.
Method 2: Combine ingredients in a mason jar, close the lid, and shake until well mixed.
Method 3: Place ingredients in a blender and pulse until combined for an ultra-smooth texture.
Kitchen tips
Double the recipe and store extra in a mason jar in the fridge for quick meals later.
Use it as a marinade for chicken, beef, tofu, or vegetables before grilling or roasting.
It makes a great dipping sauce for gyoza, potstickers, and egg rolls.
Quick facts
Prep everything first: slice proteins and vegetables into even, bite-sized pieces, and have your sauce ready to go. Cook over high heat in batches so ingredients sear quickly without steaming.
Chicken, beef, pork, tofu, and a wide range of vegetables all work well. Bell peppers, broccoli, onions, carrots, mushrooms, and snow peas hold up to high heat and taste great. Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
How to store
Keep the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before using.
More condiments and sauces to try
- Cajun Red Gravy
- White Sausage Gravy
- Hawaiian Brown Gravy
- Southern White Gravy
- Authentic Enchilada Sauce
- Hot Honey Sauce
More Asian inspired recipes
- Asian Cabbage Crunch Salad
- Instant Pot Lo Mein with Pork
- Sheet Pan Chicken Bok Choy
- Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken
- Ramen Noodles with Beef
📖 Recipe
3 Ingredient Stir Fry Sauce
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup Hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup Low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup Sesame oil
Instructions
- You can use different methods to mix up the sauce.
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Or add ingredients to a mason jar, close the lid, and shake until combined.
- Alternatively, blend the ingredients for a very smooth texture.
Notes
I like to double the recipe and store leftovers in a mason jar for another day.
Use as a marinade for meats and vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for gyoza, potstickers, and egg rolls.
Nutrition
Calories: 359 kcal • Carbohydrates: 22 g • Protein: 5 g • Fat: 29 g • Sodium: 2362 mg