Authentic Chinese Brown Sauce Recipe from Sichuan Cuisine

Introducing a versatile and well-balanced Chinese-style savory brown sauce that every Chinese food enthusiast will appreciate. This sauce is perfect for classic dishes like broccoli beef stir-fry or simple vegetable stir-fries.

Chinese cuisine is renowned for its harmonious flavors, particularly in stir-fries and salads. This brown sauce serves as a foundational element for protein and vegetable stir-fries and can also be used as a gravy for steamed or blanched foods. In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients, usage, and variations of this delightful sauce.

Chinese brown sauce

What is Chinese Brown Sauce?

Simply put, Chinese brown sauce is a savory sauce based on brown soy sauce. It is thickened with cornstarch, making it ideal for use with pork, beef, chicken, vegetables, mushrooms, and noodles.

Chinese brown sauce

Why Prepare Sauce in Advance?

In the past, I would cook freestyle, adding each ingredient as I went. However, since I began writing recipes, preparing the sauce ahead of time has become my preferred method.

  • No rush during cooking: This approach minimizes mess and allows for a cleaner workspace. On busy days, I often marinate pork, beef, or chicken slices in advance with my favorite sauces.
  • Time-saving: You can prepare a larger batch and store it in the refrigerator for several days.
  • Versatile usage: This sauce is great for stir-frying blanched or steamed vegetables and pairs well with noodles and fried rice.
  • Precise, well-balanced flavor: Preparing the sauce ahead of time allows for a more accurate and harmonious flavor.

Now that I’ve hopefully convinced you to try this sauce, let’s explore how to make it.

Ingredients for Brown Sauce

We will need just a few essential ingredients commonly used in Chinese cooking.

Chinese brown sauce
  • Soy Sauce: The foundation of the brown sauce, providing both color and flavor.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt helps to enhance the overall flavors.
  • Sugar: Works similarly to salt, enhancing the flavor profile.
  • Oil: Include vegetable cooking oil and sesame oil; the latter should be added after removing from heat for added flavor and shine.
  • Oyster Sauce: If available, it can strengthen the savory base when combined with soy sauce.
  • Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth; alternatively, you can use whole smashed garlic for a similar flavor.
  • Water and Cornstarch: Cornstarch thickens the sauce and binds the ingredients together.

Cooking Wine

It is advisable to avoid cooking wine in this brown sauce, as it may impart an unclear flavor.

How to Make Brown Sauce

Start by mixing cornstarch with water, ensuring there are no lumps.

Chinese brown sauce

Next, add oil to a small pot and sauté minced garlic over low heat for about 10 seconds until it turns slightly golden.

Add the seasonings and allow them to combine for a moment.

Stir the cornstarch mixture and pour it into the pot. Let it simmer for about one minute or until the sauce thickens slightly. Finally, mix in the sesame oil. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.

Chinese brown sauce

Cook’s Tip

For an even texture, it is crucial to mix the water with cornstarch to create a smooth mixture. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for about three days. To reheat, the microwave works best, but you can also use the stove, adding a bit of extra water.

How to Use This Brown Sauce

This brown sauce is incredibly versatile. One classic use is to drizzle it over crispy foods, such as crispy rice, deep-fried chicken, or pork.

It also serves as an excellent stir-fry sauce. Add it to pork, chicken, or beef stir-fries for flavors reminiscent of your favorite Chinese takeout. A tip for stir-frying is to sauté minced garlic separately at the beginning, then add the seasonings and sauce at the end.

Another option is to use it as a gravy for blanched or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli and lotus root.

Chinese brown sauce

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy this easy-to-make, well-balanced, and versatile brown sauce. Be sure to check out other pre-made sauces like black pepper sauce, Peking duck sauce, and black bean sauce for added convenience in your daily cooking.

Chinese brown sauce

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