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Chinese Brown Sauce Recipe

Updated on August 19th, 2025

Rich, savory, and slightly sweet, this Chinese brown sauce is a versatile base that can be paired with chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or vegetables. Made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and chicken broth, it’s thickened with cornstarch for a glossy, smooth finish that clings beautifully to stir-fried ingredients. The flavor is balanced, with the sweetness of the brown sugar complementing the savory soy sauce, while garlic adds a fragrant depth. It’s quick to prepare and works wonderfully for homemade stir-fries, making it easy to recreate a restaurant-style dish in your own kitchen.

Why this recipe works

  • Simple, classic ingredients: Soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken broth create a well-rounded flavor profile found in many Chinese-style sauces.
  • Smooth, thick consistency: Cornstarch thickens the sauce so it coats proteins and vegetables evenly.
  • Quick to make: Comes together in just minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight meals.
  • Customizable flavor: Easily adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or heat by adding more soy sauce, sugar, or chili paste.
  • Restaurant-style results: Brings authentic-tasting Chinese takeout flavor to home-cooked meals without complicated steps.

Serving suggestions

  • Pair with proteins: Toss with stir-fried chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu for a flavorful main dish.
  • Vegetable stir-fries: Use as the sauce base for broccoli, snow peas, carrots, and bell peppers.
  • Add spice: Mix in red pepper flakes, chili paste, or fresh ginger for a kick of heat.
  • Serve over rice or noodles: Complements both steamed rice and lo mein-style noodles.
  • Meal prep friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and store in the fridge for quick stir-fry nights.
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Chinese Brown Sauce Recipe

Whip up Chinese brown sauce at home for stir-fry, chicken, beef, or shrimp with this simple, flavorful recipe.

  • Author: Bobby
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 4 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon oil

Instructions

  1.  In a bowl mix soy sauce, brown sugar, chicken broth, and corn starch. Make sure the mixture is well combined and set aside.
  2.  Add 1 teaspoon of oil to a wok or saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and stir fry for 10 seconds.
  3. Add the chicken broth mixture and bring to a boil. Cook until the sauce becomes thickened and bubbly.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 66
  • Sugar: 7.8 g
  • Sodium: 782.4 mg
  • Fat: 1.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11.8 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 1.9 mg

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Crispy chicken pieces topped with green onions in a bowl