Below, you will find the descriptions and recipes for some Chinese vegetable sauces:
Note – Lower salt content – Tamari, Coconut Aminos, or Braggs Liquid Amino can replace soy sauce. Feel free to adjust the amount of salt and oil, we always do.
See links under “Other Recipes and Information” for other sauce recipes and to learn more about Chinese cooking

1. Black Bean Sauce
Description: A savory and slightly salty sauce made from fermented black soybeans, garlic, ginger, and seasonings. It’s perfect for stir-fries and marinades.
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fermented black beans, rinsed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine
- 1 tsp sugar
- Instructions:
- Mash the black beans with garlic and ginger.
- Mix in soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar.
- Use as a stir-fry sauce or marinade.
2. Sweet and Sour Sauce
Description: A tangy and sweet sauce made from sugar, vinegar, and fruit juices. It’s great for adding flavor to stir-fried vegetables.
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- Instructions:
- Combine sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
- Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened.
3. Soy Sauce
Description: A versatile, salty sauce made from fermented soybeans, often used as a seasoning or dip.
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp rice wine
- Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Use as a dipping sauce or seasoning.
4. Hoisin Sauce
Description: A thick, sweet, and savory sauce made from soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and various spices. Perfect for glazing and stir-fries.
- Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp peanut butter or black bean paste
- 1 tbsp molasses or honey
- 2 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Use as a glaze, dipping sauce, or stir-fry sauce.
5. Chili Oil
Description: A spicy oil infused with chili peppers, adding a kick to any dish.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup chili flakes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- Instructions:
- Heat oil in a saucepan until hot.
- Add chili flakes, garlic, and ginger.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, then cool and strain the oil.
6. Tahini Sauce
Description: A creamy sesame-based sauce often used in Sichuan cuisine.
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup tahini (sesame paste)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Whisk until smooth.
- Use as a dipping sauce or dressing.
7. Rice Vinegar Sauce
Description: A mild and slightly sweet vinegar sauce made from fermented rice.
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Use as a dressing or marinade.
8. Sesame Oil Sauce
Description: A rich and nutty sauce made from toasted sesame seeds.
- Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Use as a dressing or dipping sauce.
9. Garlic Sauce
Description: A simple yet flavorful sauce made from minced garlic, soy sauce, and a bit of sugar.
- Ingredients:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Use as a stir-fry sauce or marinade.
10. Mushroom Sauce
Description: A savory sauce made from mushrooms, soy sauce, and vegetable broth, often used as a substitute for oyster sauce.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- Instructions:
- Sauté mushrooms in a pan until soft.
- Add soy sauce and vegetable broth, bring to a boil.
- Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened.
Enjoy experimenting with these flavorful sauces!
Other Recipes and Information
Chinese Takeout-Style “Vegetable Delight with Brown Sauce” (vegan) – From <https://www.verdantfeast.com/vegetable-delight-with-brown-sauce/>
More Saucy Recipes – From <https://www.livveganstrong.com/5-minute-vegan-stir-fry-sauce/#recipe>
Vegan Thai Skillet Noodles (Drunken Noodles) – https://www.veganricha.com/thai-skillet-noodles/#wprm-recipe-container-47455
Our Top 19 Traditional Chinese Vegan Recipes – Our Top 19 Traditional Chinese Vegan Recipes – The Woks of Life
25 Vegan Chinese Recipes – 25 Vegan Chinese Recipes – Vegan Richa
The following sites teach about Chinese cooking and offer very authentic food..
19 Essential Chinese Ingredients (& Where to Buy Them) – From <https://omnivorescookbook.com/essential-chinese-ingredients>
How to Make Stir Fry (The Stir Fry Formula) – From <https://omnivorescookbook.com/how-to-make-stir-fry/>
The Plant-Based Wok – https://theplantbasedwok.com/about-me/