Better Than Store-Bought: 6 Must-Have Homemade Asian Sauces You’ll Want to Keep on Hand!
If you love cooking Asian-inspired meals at home, these easy homemade sauces are game-changers. They’re flavorful, use simple pantry ingredients, and best of all—taste way better than the store-bought versions. Whether you’re stir-frying veggies, glazing chicken, or dipping spring rolls, these six versatile sauces will elevate any dish.
1. Famous Duck Sauce
This sweet and tangy sauce pairs beautifully with crispy spring rolls, grilled chicken, or noodles.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup apricot jam
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes, until flavors are blended. Let cool and store in a jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
2. Chili Garlic Oil
Perfect for drizzling over noodles, rice, or dumplings for a bold kick.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup neutral oil (like canola or sunflower)
- 4 tbsp garlic, finely chopped
- 4 tbsp chili flakes
Instructions:
Heat the oil in a small pan on low. Add garlic and stir until slightly golden (don’t burn it!). Remove from heat, add chili flakes, and let it cool. Store in a clean jar and enjoy the rich flavor in everything.
3. Homemade Orange Sauce
Sweet, citrusy, and slightly savory—ideal for orange chicken or stir-fried tofu.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp ginger powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
Mix everything in a saucepan (make sure cornstarch is fully dissolved). Bring to a boil while stirring until thickened. Let it cool slightly before using.
4. Chinese-Style Red Sauce
A bright, sweet-and-savory red sauce—great with fried chicken or meatballs.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
Heat all ingredients except cornstarch slurry in a pan. Once simmering, stir in the slurry and cook until thickened. It should be glossy and vibrant red.
5. Sweet and Sour Sauce
A timeless classic that’s tangy, sweet, and perfect with fried foods.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp water + 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
Combine ingredients in a pot and stir until smooth. Bring to a gentle boil and cook until it thickens. This sauce is fantastic with chicken, tofu, or fried wontons.
6. Everything Stir-Fry Sauce
This sauce lives up to its name—it works with everything from veggies to shrimp to beef.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup light soy sauce
- 3 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions:
Whisk all ingredients together. In a hot skillet or wok, add to your stir-fried ingredients and toss until coated and thickened. It’s rich, umami-packed, and absolutely delicious.
Pro Tip:
All of these sauces can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 1–2 weeks. Want to prep in bulk? Freeze in ice cube trays for quick, portioned use.
With these easy recipes on hand, you’ll never need to rely on bottled sauces again. They’re cleaner, tastier, and can transform even a simple bowl of rice into something unforgettable.