Introduction

Do you ever get that craving for a flavor explosion that’s both sweet and savory, with just the right amount of zing? I know I do! This Sticky Sesame Garlic Sauce takes me right back to those cozy family dinners and weekend takeout nights, but with a homemade touch that’s so much better. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy and comes together in mere minutes, making it your new secret weapon for elevating any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Seriously, you can whip this up while your main dish is cooking.
Easy: No fancy techniques needed, just a whisk and a pot!
Giftable: Package it up in a cute jar for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Crowd-pleasing: Everyone, and I mean everyone, will love this.

Ingredients

Gather ’round, because these are all pantry staples you probably already have! This recipe is designed to be super accessible.

⅓ cup soy sauce (our salty, umami base)
¼ cup honey (for that irresistible sticky sweetness)
2 tbsp ketchup (adds a touch of tang and lovely color)
2 tbsp rice vinegar (brightens everything up with a gentle acidity)
1 tbsp sesame oil (the magic ingredient for that authentic nutty flavor)
1 tbsp cornstarch (our thickening agent for that perfect sticky consistency)
2 tbsp water (to help our cornstarch do its job)
1 tsp grated ginger (fresh is best for a vibrant kick!)
1 clove garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
Sesame seeds (for garnish – toasted ones are extra special!)
Green onions, chopped (for a fresh, pretty finish)

How to Make It

Alright, chef! Let’s get this delicious sauce made. It’s more like a fun kitchen project than actual cooking.

In a small saucepan, pour in your soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Give it a good stir to combine all those wonderful flavors.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until there are no lumps. This is called a “slurry,” and it’s going to be our secret weapon for a perfectly thick sauce.
Place your saucepan over medium heat. Let the sauce mixture warm up gently until it just starts to simmer around the edges.
Now, slowly pour your cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while whisking continuously. Keep whisking! You’ll see it transform right before your eyes, becoming thicker and more glossy.
Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This is key to making sure the cornstarch is fully cooked and the sauce is beautifully smooth and sticky.
Once it’s reached your desired glossy perfection, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it cool down just a little bit – it will thicken even more as it cools, and you don’t want to burn yourself!
Spoon this glorious sauce over your favorite dishes and garnish generously with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Ta-da!

Substitutions & Additions

This sauce is fantastic as is, but if you’re feeling adventurous or need to swap something out, here are some ideas!

For a sweeter sauce: Add an extra tablespoon of honey or a touch of brown sugar.
For a spicier kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha with the other liquid ingredients.
Gluten-free option: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
Vegan option: If you can find a vegan honey substitute, that would work perfectly.
Additions: Feel free to add a splash of lime juice for extra brightness, or a tiny bit of orange zest for a hint of citrusy sweetness.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks to ensure your Sticky Sesame Garlic Sauce is always a home run!

Don’t walk away! When you’re whisking in the cornstarch slurry and simmering, keep an eye on it. Sauces can thicken quickly and can go from perfect to too thick if you’re not careful.
Whisk from the bottom: Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pan as you whisk to prevent any cornstarch from sticking and clumping.
Prep ahead: You can mince your garlic and grate your ginger a day in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
Double the batch: This sauce is so versatile, you’ll want extra! It stores beautifully in the fridge.

How to Store It

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This sauce is a dream to store.

Once cooled, pour your Sticky Sesame Garlic Sauce into an airtight container or a mason jar. It’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The cornstarch might settle a bit, but a quick stir or shake will bring it right back to life. It’s perfect for drizzling over stir-fries, chicken, salmon, tofu, noodles, or even as a dipping sauce!

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! This sauce is perfect for making ahead. It stores well in the fridge for up to a week.
How do I thicken it if it’s too thin? If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can make another small cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) and whisk it in while the sauce is simmering.
Can I use dried ginger instead of fresh? While fresh ginger gives the best flavor, you can substitute about ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger. Add it with the other dry ingredients to avoid clumping.

Sticky Sesame Garlic Sauce

This incredibly easy Sticky Sesame Garlic Sauce is a flavor explosion of sweet, savory, and zingy notes, perfect for elevating any meal. It comes together in minutes with pantry staples and a whisk.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Servings 1 cup

Equipment

Small saucepan
Small bowl
Whisk
Airtight container for storage
Mason jar for storage

Ingredients

Main ingredients

0.33 cup soy sauce salty, umami base
0.25 cup honey for that irresistible sticky sweetness
2 tbsp ketchup adds a touch of tang and lovely color
2 tbsp rice vinegar brightens everything up with a gentle acidity
1 tbsp sesame oil the magic ingredient for that authentic nutty flavor
1 tbsp cornstarch our thickening agent for that perfect sticky consistency
2 tbsp water to help our cornstarch do its job
1 tsp grated ginger fresh is best for a vibrant kick!
1 clove garlic minced, because garlic makes everything better
Sesame seeds for garnish – toasted ones are extra special!
Green onions chopped, for a fresh, pretty finish

Instructions

In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir to combine.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and warm the sauce mixture until it just begins to simmer around the edges.
Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Let the sauce simmer for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to ensure the cornstarch is fully cooked.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly. It will thicken further as it cools.
Spoon the sauce over your favorite dishes and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

This sauce is great for gifting and can be made ahead of time. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir or shake before using if the cornstarch settles.