Dragon Sauce

Dragon Sauce is a bold, savory-sweet condiment with a spicy kick, perfect for drizzling over rice bowls, stir-fries, grilled meats, or roasted veggies. Made with a fusion of Asian-inspired ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili, it brings deep umami flavor with just the right balance of heat and sweetness.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

soy saucehoisin saucehoney or brown sugarsesame oilrice vinegarfresh garlic (minced)fresh ginger (grated)chili garlic sauce or srirachacornstarch + water (for thickening, optional)green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

directions

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.

Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili garlic sauce or sriracha to taste.

Stir and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

If a thicker sauce is desired, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce. Simmer until thickened.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if using.

Serve warm or at room temperature as a dip, drizzle, or stir-in sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 1 cup of sauce.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 5-7 minutesTotal time: 10-12 minutes

Variations

Add peanut butter for a nutty twist.

Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version.

Swap hoisin with teriyaki sauce for a milder taste.

Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Use lime juice instead of vinegar for a citrusy edge.

storage/reheating

Store Dragon Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave before serving, if desired.The sauce may thicken when cold—just stir in a splash of water to loosen.

FAQs

Is Dragon Sauce very spicy?

It can be! You control the heat by adjusting the chili sauce amount.

Can I use ground ginger and garlic?

Yes, but fresh gives the best flavor. Use ½ tsp ground garlic and ginger each if substituting.

Is it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin to make it gluten-free.

What dishes pair well with it?

Rice bowls, noodles, grilled chicken, tofu, roasted veggies, dumplings, and more.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, freeze in small containers for up to 2 months. Thaw and stir before using.

Does it contain nuts?

No, unless you add peanut butter. Check labels if using store-bought sauces.

Can I make it sugar-free?

Use a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or stevia in place of honey.

How thick should it be?

It’s up to you—thin for drizzling, or thicker for dipping by adjusting the cornstarch.

Can I use it as a marinade?

Yes, it works great for marinating chicken, pork, or tofu.

How long does it last?

Up to 1 week in the fridge, or 2 months in the freezer.

Conclusion

Dragon Sauce is a versatile, flavor-packed condiment that can elevate any meal with its perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy notes. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, it’s a must-have in your sauce rotation. Try it once, and you’ll want to drizzle it on everything!

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