The Best Homemade Honey Garlic Sauce

Name: The Best Homemade Honey Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup honey; 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium); 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water); 1 tbsp sesame oil

20 min 8 servings Easy

All Recipes

This homemade honey garlic sauce is perfectly sweet and savoury, ideal for glazing chicken, drizzling over stir-fries, or as a dipping sauce.

Prep

10 min

Cook

10 min

Total

20 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Honey garlic sauce is a beloved staple in many kitchens, known for its perfect balance of sweet and savoury. This homemade version elevates that classic taste, offering an authentic blend of honey, garlic, and soy sauce that can be used as a glaze, marinade, or dipping sauce. This version of honey garlic sauce works because it uses fresh ingredients that enhance the natural flavours, making it richer and more flavourful than store-bought alternatives. Ideal for those who appreciate a versatile sauce that can complement a variety of dishes, from chicken and pork to vegetables and tofu.

Instructions

Prepare the cornstarch slurry

In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Set aside.

Pro tip: Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps in the sauce.

Combine the main ingredients

In a medium saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic.

Pro tip: Use a whisk to mix the ingredients thoroughly for a uniform sauce.

Heat the mixture

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.

Pro tip: Avoid boiling the sauce to prevent burning the honey.

Thicken the sauce

Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to heat until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Pro tip: The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when it's ready.

Add sesame oil

Stir in the sesame oil and remove the saucepan from heat.

Pro tip: Sesame oil adds a toasted, nutty flavour to the sauce.

Cool and store

Allow the sauce to cool before transferring it to a jar or bottle for storage.

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Tips & Tricks

Use fresh garlic for the best flavour.
Adjust honey to your preferred sweetness level.
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best homemade honey garlic sauce?

The best homemade honey garlic sauce features a balance of sweet honey, savoury soy sauce, and fresh garlic, thickened to perfection.

How long does homemade honey garlic sauce last?

This sauce can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Can you freeze honey garlic sauce?

Yes, you can freeze honey garlic sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

What dishes pair well with honey garlic sauce?

Honey garlic sauce pairs well with grilled chicken, pork, stir-fried vegetables, and as a dipping sauce for dumplings.

How can I make the sauce less sweet?

To make the sauce less sweet, reduce the amount of honey or add more soy sauce and vinegar to balance the sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

This honey garlic sauce is incredibly versatile and can be paired with numerous dishes. Drizzle it over freshly grilled chicken, toss it with stir-fried vegetables, or use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls. You can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Ensure it's kept in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and flavour.