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This dragon sauce blends sweet, sour and hot flavors to turn any basic meal into something amazing. With just the right kick and rich depth, it works for everything from jazzing up a quick stir-fry to dipping your favorite apps.
I came up with this sauce while trying to copy my go-to Asian takeout flavor at home. What began as just playing around in the kitchen has turned into my go-to trick for making simple chicken and veggies taste like restaurant food my family asks for every week.
- Soy sauce: Gives that savory kick and salty base the sauce needs
- Honey: Adds sweetness and helps make that perfect clingy texture
- Rice vinegar: Brings the tang that cuts through the rich flavors
- Fresh garlic cloves: Add that punch that mellows out when you cook them
- Grated ginger: Brings that warm zing that makes this sauce stand out
- Sriracha sauce: Delivers the heat that gives dragon sauce its fiery name
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken everything so the sauce sticks nicely to food
- Water: Creates just the right texture when mixed with cornstarch
Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- Mix Your Main Ingredients:
- Dump soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger and sriracha into a small pot. Mix it all up until the honey blends in completely with everything else. This mix is what gives dragon sauce its knockout flavor.
- Make Your Thickener:
- Stir cornstarch and water in a little bowl until it's totally smooth without any lumps. This mix is key for getting the sauce nice and thick without clumps. Give it another stir right before you add it to your hot sauce.
- Heat It Up:
- Put your pot on medium heat and let everything heat until it starts to bubble gently. Don't crank the heat too high or you'll burn the garlic and ginger and ruin their flavors. Keep stirring so the honey doesn't stick to the bottom.
- Make It Thick:
- Slowly pour your cornstarch mix into the bubbling sauce while whisking it constantly. Keep stirring for about half a minute until you see the sauce get thicker and shinier. This happens fast so watch it carefully.
- Let It Rest:
- Take it off the heat once it looks thick enough. It'll keep thickening a bit as it cools down. Let it sit for a couple minutes so the flavors can come together and so you don't burn yourself when you use it.
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Fresh ginger is what makes this recipe special. While many folks go for the powdered stuff, I found that freshly grated ginger adds an amazing smell that takes this sauce from just okay to totally unforgettable. My family knows we're having dragon sauce night as soon as they smell that ginger-garlic combo filling up the kitchen.
Keeping It Fresh
This dragon sauce stays good in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container. It might get a bit thicker when cold so just warm it up a little on the stove or zap it for 10-15 seconds in the microwave and stir before using. I like to freeze small amounts in ice cube trays then put the frozen cubes in freezer bags for easy single servings that last up to three months.
Foods That Go Great With It
This sauce goes with almost anything but really shines on grilled chicken skewers, crispy tofu, stir-fried veggies or as something to dip spring rolls in. For a full meal, try pouring it over rice topped with sautéed veggies and whatever protein you like. It also makes chicken wings amazing or works as a glaze for salmon or pork if you brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking.
Quick Changes You Can Make
What's great about dragon sauce is how easy it is to change up. Want it sweeter? Swap half the honey for brown sugar or maple syrup. Like more tang? Add another spoon of rice vinegar. Can't do soy? Try coconut aminos instead though you might need to adjust the salt. For extra flavor add a spoon of toasted sesame oil after you take it off the heat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I control the spice level of Dragon Sauce?
Absolutely. Just add more sriracha if you want it hotter or use less for a milder taste that everyone can enjoy.
- → What dishes pair well with Dragon Sauce?
Dragon Sauce works wonders as a marinade for proteins, a dip for appetizers, or poured over noodles, grilled meats and stir-fried vegetables.
- → How long can I store Dragon Sauce?
You can keep any unused sauce in the fridge for up to a week if you put it in a container with a tight lid.
- → Can I make Dragon Sauce gluten-free?
You can definitely make it gluten-free by swapping regular soy sauce for tamari or any gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- → Can I substitute honey in this sauce?
For sure. If honey isn't your thing, try maple syrup or any other runny sweetener that you like better.