Best Chinese Gravy Sauce Recipe Vegetarian Quart Jar Guide

If you love Chinese cuisine but follow a vegetarian lifestyle, finding the perfect gravy sauce that complements your dishes can be a challenge. This best Chinese gravy sauce recipe is designed for a vegetarian quart jar, perfect for storing and using whenever you want to add that authentic, rich, and flavorful touch to your meals.

Made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients, this sauce is a harmonious blend of umami, sweetness, and a gentle kick of spice. It pairs beautifully with stir-fries, tofu dishes, steamed vegetables, or even as a dip for spring rolls.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Asian flavors, this gravy sauce is easy to prepare and keeps well in a quart-sized jar, making meal prep a breeze.

Plus, it’s completely vegetarian and free from animal products, making it suitable for a broad range of diets. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious sauce right at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian Chinese gravy sauce is a game-changer for anyone craving authentic flavors without the hassle of complicated ingredients. It’s:

• Rich and savory, with a perfect balance of soy, garlic, and ginger.
• Versatile, ideal for enhancing stir-fry veggies, tofu, noodles, or rice dishes.
• Easy to store, comes together quickly and keeps fresh in a quart jar for up to two weeks.
• Healthy and vegetarian, made without animal-based stocks or additives.
• Customizable, you can tweak the spice level or sweetness to your preference.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (ensure vegetarian-friendly)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced finely
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (for a mild kick)

Equipment

• Quart-sized glass jar with lid (for storage)
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Medium saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine grater or microplane (for ginger)
• Knife and cutting board (for garlic)

Instructions

1. Prepare the slurry: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir until completely dissolved and set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics: Heat the toasted sesame oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add liquids: Pour in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sugar to dissolve and flavors to meld, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Thicken the gravy: Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens to a gravy-like consistency.
6. Season: Add white pepper and chili garlic sauce if using. Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.
7. Cool and store: Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before transferring it to your quart jar. Seal tightly and refrigerate. The sauce thickens more as it cools but can be gently reheated with a splash of water.

Tips & Variations

“For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.”

Feel free to experiment with this gravy sauce to suit your taste:

• Spicy variation: Add extra chili garlic sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
• Smoky twist: Incorporate a drop of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
• Thicker sauce: Increase cornstarch slurry to 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water.
• Sweetness adjustment: Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• Umami boost: Add a teaspoon of mushroom soy sauce or a splash of vegetarian oyster sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian Chinese gravy sauce is incredibly versatile and elevates numerous dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Pour over stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, and tofu for a quick weeknight dinner.
• Use as a dipping sauce for vegetable spring rolls or dumplings.
• Drizzle on steamed rice or noodles to add moisture and flavor.
• Mix into fried rice or vegetable lo mein for a glossy finish.
• Combine with roasted mushrooms and bok choy for a hearty, vegetarian entrée.

For more delicious vegetarian sauces and recipes, check out our Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipes or explore the Julie Marie Eats Recipes for more plant-based inspiration.

Conclusion

Making your own vegetarian Chinese gravy sauce at home is not only rewarding but also allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the flavors to your liking. This recipe delivers a rich, flavorful sauce that enhances a variety of dishes and stores perfectly in a quart jar for convenience.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this sauce will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Experiment with the variations and enjoy the bold tastes of Chinese cuisine without compromising your dietary preferences. Don’t forget to try pairing this sauce with other exciting recipes like the Magic Dough Recipe or the Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe for a full meal experience.

Happy cooking and savor every delicious bite!

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