The Asian zing sauce is the easiest and the tastiest sauce you can make in under 10 minutes. This sweet and spicy sauce serves as a satisfying dip or hearty glaze for the chicken or meatball.
You never expect how simple is this Asian Zing sauce. Perhaps more effortless, delicious, and vibrant than all the restaurant-style sauces.
This finger-licking tasty sauce proves that deliciousness does not need to be tied up with complicated cooking.
If you are looking for a light, easy to put together, that tastes gratifying, this Asian Zing recipe is perfect for you, especially when trying to make a weekday dinner. Conversely, if you prefer making spicy, this hot and spicy Chinese chicken would make the dinner best.
Not to mention, this is also highly accommodative when planning for a party or a special dinner.
Why this is the best recipe?
Flavorful. It's so aromatic that you can expect from restaurant-style Chinese food.
Quick. Does not involve a lengthy process or long hours of preparation. This delicious sauce is made in 5 minutes when all the ingredients are ready.
Minimal ingredients. Made with simple ingredients, if you already have a bare Chinese pantry in your kitchen, this recipe is like a breeze.
Party friendly. Since this Asian Zing sauce involves minimal processing and minimal cooking, this is an excellent party-friendly recipe. Additionally, this comforting add-on can be made ahead of time to reduce last-minute stress.
Other sauce recipes
- Pineapple jalapeno sauce
- Boom Boom sauce
- Spicy mango sauce
- Spicy marinara sauce
- Spicy teriyaki sauce
The ingredients needed
Corn starch. It's a thicking agent and gives a glossy finish. In its absence, It can be substituted with tapioca starch in this Asian zing recipe.
Rice vinegar. A key ingredient that converts the regular sauce to an Asian-flavored one, it is readily available(at least here in Pennsylvania). I picked up mine in our local Walmart. I hope you will also successfully locate this in your stores.
Honey. The honey's mild sweetness bursts the flavors. But the vegans can swap with maple syrup or agave nectar. Alternatively, skip using honey and increase the sugar in this recipe. Missing this ingredient will not break this homemade Asian zing sauce recipe.
Sugar. Light brown sugar is what I like the most, just for its vibrant color. Why do we need sugar when we have honey already listed? Well, half the quantity of honey and half the quantity of sugar is the sweet spot. But substitute for each other if you prefer.
Water. A quarter cup of water is needed to cook up garlic and ginger.
Chilli garlic sauce. You don't need to rush to the stores to get this jar. Have sriracha sauce? add two tablespoons instead of this chili sauce. Adjust the quantity to suit your potential of bearing the heat.
Soy sauce. I wanted my sauce to stay red, so I used light soy sauce. But there is no harm in adding dark soy sauce, too.
Lemon juice. This recipe for Asian zing sauce is with the correct mixture of sweet, spicy, and sour. Even a tiny quantity of lemon juice makes the sauce fresh.
Ginger. Adds a pleasant aroma, and every tiny bit boosts the flavors. Grate finely for the best results. Though these are theoretically identical, please do not substitute with dry ginger or ginger paste.
Garlic. Like ginger, garlic flakes or salt cannot mimic the fresh garlic's fragrance.
Salt. When using dark soy sauce, taste, and test before adding salt. How do you say which soy sauce you are using? If the package instructions mention 'light soy sauce,' it is what it is. If the package instructions don't mention anything and say 'soy sauce,' then it's dark soy sauce, which is intense in color and taste.
How to make it?
Prepping. Mince ginger and garlic as finely as possible.
Combine. In a saucepan, add all the ingredients- corn starch, rice vinegar, honey, sugar, water, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, lemon juice, ginger, and salt.
Cook. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to low.
Cook till reaches the mixture turns glazy and thickens to a flowing consistency.
Store. In an airtight container to use later.
How to use this homemade Asian Zing sauce?
Dipping sauce. Are you like me, who loves to have Asian take-outs for weekend dinners? If yes, use this dipping sauce for everything you munch on.
Chicken wings. Are you trying to recreate the Buffalo Wild Wings-style Asian chicken wings? you will not be disappointed with its appealing taste. Toss the fried crispy chicken wings with this sauce, and voila. And pat yourself for the beautiful effort in making Asian zing chicken wings at home.
Salad dressing. Instantly modify your regular salad to a classic Asian dish. That sweet and spicy sauce works better than your expectations.
Glaze. Our family loves this variation of glazing the meatballs or the grilled chicken.
How different can you make this sauce?
Add on flavors. Add a pinch of crushed lemongrass for intense Thai flavors.
With texture. Throw in thinly sliced spring onions as a garnish, which makes the Azian zing sauce presentable and adds mild flavor.
Without sugar and Honey. Remove the sugar and honey from the ingredient list. And this no-sugar variation of Asian wing sauce tastes fantastic as well.
Spicy. Increase the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes or with jalapeno slices.
Storage ideas
Refrigerate. Store this Asian zing sauce in an air-tight storage container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezer. Place the leftover sauce in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to three months. Let the sauce thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Printable recipe card
Asian zing sauce
Ingredients
- 11/2 tablespoon corn starch
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ginger grated
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a saucepan, add corn starch, rice vinegar, honey, sugar, water, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, lemon juice, ginger, and salt.
- Whisk until all the ingredients combined together.
- Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil. And turn to low heat.
- Cook till reaches the mixture turns glazy and thickens to flowing consistency.
- Store in an airtight container to use later.
Notes
- Refrigerate. Store this Asian zing sauce in an air-tight storage container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezer. Place the leftover sauce in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to three months. Let the sauce thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutrition
Tools recommended for this recipe
Blender. A must-have to create a smooth, delectable sauce. This is one of my favorites.
Chef's Knife. My trusty companion in the kitchen, perfect for finely chopping jalapenos and dicing fresh pineapple.
Saucepan. Although any pan would work fine, and this one is super convenient.
Ondra Elms
Made this tonight for my wings. Whew its spicy. Think I'm going to add a little bit more brown sugar. But its really good.
Sujatha Muralidhar
I’m so glad that you enjoyed this recipe, Ondra! Thank you for sharing this kind review!