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honey garlic sauce recipe

Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 1 Cup
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American, Asian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup  honey
  • 1/4 cup  low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp  rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp  sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup  water
  • 1 tbsp  cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp  cold water for the slurry
  • 1/4 tsp  red pepper flakes

Method
 

  1. Peel and mince the garlic cloves finely.
  2. In a small saucepan, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and the 1/2 cup of water.
  3. Stir the minced garlic into the saucepan along with the red pepper flakes, if using. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Let simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Whisk the cornstarch into the 2 tablespoons of cold water until fully dissolved.
  7. Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while whisking constantly. Whisk for 1 to 2 minutes, until thickened.
  8. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
  9. Transfer to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for up to two weeks.

Notes

A few small tweaks can push this sauce in different directions. Add a spoonful of grated fresh ginger along with the garlic for a warmer, slightly spicy note.
Swap the rice vinegar for fresh lime juice if you want a brighter, more citrus-forward sauce. For a deeper flavor, use dark soy sauce instead of regular, though it will darken the color of the final sauce. If you like a thinner glaze for drizzling instead of a thick coating sauce, skip the cornstarch slurry entirely and let the sauce reduce a bit longer on the stove.
A splash of orange juice mixed in near the end also gives the sauce a fruitier edge that pairs well with chicken.