Honey Garlic Sauce
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This Honey Garlic Sauce is one of those recipes I always keep in my back pocket when I need something quick and flavorful. It’s sweet, savory, and just the right amount of garlicky. In under 15 minutes, you’ve got a versatile sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over grilled chicken, tossing with stir-fry, or even using as a dipping sauce for veggies. The combo of soy sauce, honey, and brown sugar brings a delicious balance, while the garlic and rice vinegar add that little extra kick. And if you let it rest for 24 hours in the fridge? The flavors get even more intense and amazing! You’ll be reaching for this sauce over and over again, trust me.
Why You’ll Love Honey Garlic Sauce
- Quick and Easy: This honey garlic sauce comes together in just about 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Sweet and Savory Balance: The blend of honey, soy sauce, and garlic hits the perfect sweet-savory note that everyone loves.
- Versatile: You can use this sauce on just about anything—grilled meats, veggies, stir-fry, or even as a dip.
- Elevates Any Dish: A simple drizzle of this sauce adds a bold, delicious flavor to any meal without a ton of effort.
- Even Better the Next Day: If you have time to let it sit overnight, the flavors deepen, making it even more irresistible!
Ingredients Needed To Make Honey Garlic Sauce
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Soy sauce
- Water
- Honey
- Light brown sugar
- Rice vinegar
- Salt
- Onion powder
- Cornstarch
- Minced garlic
How To Make Honey Garlic Sauce
- Mix the water and cornstarch in a small bowl and set aside.
- In a small pot, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, salt, onion powder, garlic, and the cornstarch mixture.
- Heat the pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for 5-8 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool.
- For the best flavor, refrigerate the sauce for 24 hours before using (optional).
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can! In fact, the flavor develops even more if you let the sauce sit in the fridge for 24 hours before using it. It’s great for prepping in advance.
How should I store the sauce?
Store the honey garlic sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to one week, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just pour the sauce into a freezer-safe container or bag and store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
How do I reheat the sauce?
To reheat the sauce, simply warm it up in a small pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s smooth and warm. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
Can I use this sauce for different dishes?
Absolutely! This honey garlic sauce is incredibly versatile—perfect for drizzling over grilled meats, as a dipping sauce, or tossing with veggies or noodles for extra flavor. My personal favorite is using it on Honey Garlic Crispy Pork Tenderloin served over creamy mac & cheese.
What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is this sauce spicy?
No, this sauce isn’t spicy at all. It has a sweet and savory flavor from the honey and garlic. If you want to add heat, feel free to stir in some chili flakes or sriracha!
Honey Garlic Sauce
Equipment
- Small bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar packed
- 2 ½ tbsp rice vinegar
- Pinch of salt
- ⅛ tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
Instructions
Prepare Cornstarch Mixture
- In a small bowl, mix the water and cornstarch until well combined. Set aside.
Combine Ingredients
- In a small pot, add soy sauce, water-cornstarch mixture, honey, light brown sugar, rice vinegar, salt, onion powder, and minced garlic.
Cook Sauce
- Place the pot over medium/low heat.
- Cook the mixture for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
Cool and Store
- Once thickened, remove the sauce from heat.
- Let it cool slightly before transferring it to a container.
Optional Resting Time
- For best flavor, let the sauce sit for 24 hours in the refrigerator before using.
Nutrition
This honey garlic sauce is one of those versatile staples that you’ll want to keep on hand. Whether you’re drizzling it over chicken or dipping your favorite snacks, it’s packed with flavor and super easy to make. Once you’ve tried it, I’m sure you’ll find all kinds of ways to use it!
