Homemade Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe

BySoha

Few sauces strike the balance between sweet depth and savory richness like a well-made honey garlic sauce. This version is crafted with precision, layering natural sweetness, gentle acidity, and aromatic garlic for a glossy, restaurant-quality finish. Designed by a chef’s palate, it’s versatile enough to elevate everyday meals while refined enough for special dishes.

Ingredients List

  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or neutral oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon chili flakes for gentle heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prepare the base

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and vinegar until fully combined and smooth.

Sauté the garlic

Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté gently for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, not browned.

Build the sauce

Pour the honey-soy mixture into the pan with the garlic. Stir gently and allow it to come to a light simmer.

Thicken to perfection

In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk it into the simmering sauce and cook for 1–2 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened.

Finish and adjust

Add black pepper and optional chili flakes. Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness if needed. Remove from heat once the sauce coats the back of a spoon.

Cook Time

Total: 10 minutes
Prep: 5 minutes
Bake: N/A

Servings

Makes approximately ¾ cup of sauce

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 90
  • Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg

Storage Instructions

Allow the sauce to cool completely, then store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Reheat gently over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

Suggestions

This honey garlic sauce pairs beautifully with chicken wings, stir-fried vegetables, shrimp, tofu, or as a glaze for salmon. It can also be used as a dipping sauce or brushed onto roasted meats during the final minutes of cooking.

Seasonal Relevance

While perfect year-round, this sauce shines during cooler months when comforting, glazed dishes are most appealing, and equally complements summer grilling with its sticky-sweet finish.

Conclusion

A truly great honey garlic sauce should be balanced, aromatic, and versatile—and this recipe delivers on all fronts. With minimal ingredients and careful technique, you achieve a polished sauce that enhances rather than overwhelms, making it a staple worth mastering in any kitchen.

Homemade Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe
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Homemade Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe

Recipe by Soha
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

5

minutes
Calories

90

kcal
Total time

10

minutes

This Homemade Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe is a perfectly balanced blend of sweet honey, savory garlic, and umami-rich soy sauce. Smooth, glossy, and incredibly versatile, it works beautifully as a glaze, dip, or finishing sauce for both everyday meals and special dishes.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup honey

  • ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)

  • 4 garlic cloves, finely minced

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or neutral oil

  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

  • 2 tablespoons water

  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • Optional: ½ teaspoon chili flakes

Directions

  • In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and vinegar until smooth.
  • Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
  • Pour in the honey mixture and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then slowly whisk into the sauce.
  • Cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened and glossy. Add black pepper and optional chili flakes.
  • Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
  • Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
  • Ideal for chicken wings, shrimp, tofu, roasted vegetables, or as a dipping sauce.
  • Adjust sweetness, salt, or heat to suit your taste.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce without soy sauce?
Yes, you can substitute coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free option with similar depth.

Why did my sauce turn too thick?
The sauce thickens quickly once cornstarch is added. Reduce heat and whisk in a tablespoon of water to loosen it if needed.

Can this sauce be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended, as honey-based sauces can separate and lose their smooth texture when thawed.

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