Chinese Garlic Sauce: Keto-Friendly Or Not?

Chinese garlic sauce is a versatile stir-fry sauce that can be added to rice, noodles, or vegetables. It is a perfect blend of sweet, savoury, and spicy elements, which enhances the taste of the dish. The sauce typically contains garlic, ginger, soy sauce, hot sauce, and sesame oil.

When making Chinese garlic sauce, it is important to note that the type of garlic used will impact the flavor intensity. Raw garlic has a strong aroma and flavor, while garlic powder, flakes, or granules will give a milder taste. Additionally, fresh ginger is recommended over ground ginger for the best results.

To make the sauce thicker, a slurry of cornstarch and water can be added. This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and is a great way to enhance the flavor of your stir-fried dishes.

Chinese garlic sauce ingredients

Chinese garlic sauce is a staple in many Chinese kitchens and is often used as a dipping sauce for dumplings and to add flavour to stir-fries and noodle dishes. The sauce is typically made with the following ingredients:

• Cooking oil: Vegetable or canola oil is usually used, but you can also use avocado oil, sunflower oil, or coconut oil.
• Garlic: Finely minced or pressed garlic is best for flavour.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger root, minced or in paste form, adds a bright flavour to the sauce.
• Chilli: Green chillies or red pepper flakes are commonly used to add spice.
• Soy Sauce: This can be substituted with tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
• Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth is used, but beef broth is also an option.
• Vinegar: Rice vinegar or rice wine vinegar adds a light sourness to the sauce.
• Sweetener: Brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or another sweetener of your choice can be used to balance the spice.
• Sesame Oil: This adds incredible flavour to the sauce and is commonly used in Asian cuisine.
• Thickener: Cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or xanthan gum is used to thicken the sauce and give it a smoother consistency.

To make the sauce, simply cook the garlic, ginger, and chilli in oil until fragrant. Then, stir in the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Finally, add the thickener and continue cooking until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Chinese garlic sauce recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of vegetable or canola oil
• 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh green chillies
• 2/3 cup of low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 1/2 cup of chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1/3 cup of rice wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup of light brown sugar or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch or xanthan gum

Method:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
• Add the garlic, ginger, and chillies. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant (about 15 seconds to 1 minute).
• Stir in the remaining ingredients, except the cornstarch slurry. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 1 minute.
• Create a cornstarch slurry by stirring the cornstarch with water until fully dissolved. Alternatively, you can use xanthan gum, but be careful not to add too much, as a little goes a long way.
• Pour the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
• Allow the sauce to cool before serving or storing.

Tips:

• You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chilli or red pepper flakes.
• If you want to make the sauce gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• For a vegan version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• The sauce can be served as a stir-fry sauce or a dipping sauce for egg rolls, dumplings, or summer rolls.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Chinese garlic sauce substitutes

Chinese garlic sauce is a popular sauce in Chinese cuisine, often used in stir-fry dishes. It is known for its combination of spicy, salty, and sweet flavours. While the ingredients may vary, the sauce typically includes soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and a meat-based broth.

If you're looking for substitutes for Chinese garlic sauce, here are some options:

Keto-Friendly Alternatives:

As mentioned earlier, Chinese garlic sauce can be made keto-friendly by substituting soy sauce with coconut aminos or tamari sauce. This is a great option for those following a keto diet.

Gluten-Free Options:

For those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, it is recommended to use tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce) or coconut aminos as a substitute. Gluten-free chicken or vegetable broth can also be used in place of the meat-based broth.

Spiciness Adjustments:

If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes, fresh chillies, or chilli sauce. Alternatively, you can add some hot sauce, Sriracha, or chilli-garlic paste to turn up the heat.

Sweetener Variations:

The sweet note in Chinese garlic sauce can be customised to your preference. While brown sugar is commonly used, you can substitute it with maple syrup, agave syrup, brown rice syrup, date syrup, or regular sugar. These alternatives will provide a similar sweetness while maintaining the desired texture of the sauce.

Thickening Agents:

Cornstarch is typically used as a thickening agent in Chinese garlic sauce. However, if you have a corn allergy or prefer other options, arrowroot flour, tapioca flour/starch, potato starch, or xanthan gum can be used as substitutes. These alternatives will help achieve the desired thickness without compromising flavour.

Oil Choices:

The type of oil used in Chinese garlic sauce can also be varied. While vegetable oil is commonly used, you can substitute it with canola oil or any other vegetable cooking oil of your choice. Additionally, sesame oil adds a unique flavour to the sauce, but it can be reduced or omitted if desired.

Remember, when substituting ingredients, it's important to consider your dietary restrictions, flavour preferences, and the desired consistency of the sauce. Adjust the quantities of the substitutes as needed to achieve the perfect balance of flavours and textures in your Chinese garlic sauce.

Chinese garlic sauce storage

Chinese garlic sauce is a popular choice for Chinese restaurant and takeout menus. It is a versatile sauce that can be used as a stir-fry sauce or a dipping sauce. The sauce is typically made with a combination of cooking oil, garlic, ginger, green chillies, soy sauce, chicken broth, vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.

To store Chinese garlic sauce, it is important to allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The sauce can be refrigerated for up to four days. When reheating the sauce, it is recommended to warm it over low heat.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the cornstarch slurry, which is often used to thicken the sauce, may cause the sauce to become watery over time. As a result, it is advisable to consume the sauce within the suggested timeframe and not extend its storage beyond four days.

For those who prefer a spicier sauce, Chinese garlic sauce can be customised by adding more chillies, minced garlic, or Sriracha sauce.

Keto-friendly alternatives to Chinese garlic sauce

Chinese garlic sauce is a delicious condiment, but if you're following a keto diet, you might be looking for some alternatives with a lower carb count. Here are some ideas for keto-friendly sauces that will add a burst of flavour to your meals:

Avocado Sauce

Avocado sauce is a creamy and nutrient-dense option. It's made from ripe avocados, lime juice, garlic, and herbs. This sauce is not only tasty but also high in healthy fats and fibre, and most importantly, low in carbs. It's a great choice as a dip for your keto snacks or as a dressing for your salads.

Almond Butter Sauce

For a deliciously nutty and keto-friendly sauce, try almond butter sauce. It's made by combining almond butter with a splash of soy sauce, a bit of garlic, and some spices. This sauce is rich in fats and protein, contributing to the macro goals of a keto diet. It goes beautifully with grilled meats and keto-friendly noodles.

Pesto Sauce

Pesto sauce is a classic Italian sauce made from fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. It's not only packed with flavour but also rich in healthy fats and low in carbs. Pesto sauce is extremely versatile and can be used in everything from chicken dishes to zoodles (zucchini noodles).

Keto Stir Fry Sauce

If you're looking for a simple and versatile sauce, keto stir fry sauce is a great option. It typically includes ingredients such as chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, fish sauce, vinegar, and a granulated sweetener. You can easily customise it by adding more or less sweetener, chilli sauce, or hot sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Coconut Aminos

Coconut aminos is a great alternative to soy sauce. It is made from fermented coconut sap and has a similar flavour but with a tad less sodium and a slightly sweeter taste. It is a bit higher in carbohydrates, but it's still a good option for those following a keto diet.

Remember, while these sauces are keto-friendly, it's important to practise portion control and ensure they fit within your daily macronutrient limits. So, go ahead and experiment with these alternatives to bring variety and exciting flavours to your keto meals!

Frequently asked questions