Name: Classic Chinese-Style Meat Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb ground pork or beef; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp ginger, minced; 4 scallions, chopped (white and green parts separated); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp dark soy sauce; 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry; 1 tsp sugar; 1/2 tsp five-spice powder (optional); 1 tsp chili paste or chili flakes (optional); 1 tsp cornstarch; 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth; 2 tbsp cooking oil; Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish; Cooked noodles or rice, for serving

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Classic Chinese-Style Meat Sauce is a rich, savory, and aromatic dish that elevates any noodle bowl or rice plate with its bold umami flavors. Made with ground meat, aromatics, and a flavorful soy-based sauce, this traditional preparation is a beloved staple in many Chinese households.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This meat sauce is incredibly versatile and satisfying. It combines the deep flavors of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and optional chili for heat. Whether spooned over noodles, rice, or vegetables, it instantly transforms simple ingredients into a complete meal. Its simplicity and depth of flavor make it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground pork or beef
Garlic (minced)
Ginger (minced)
Scallions (chopped)
Soy sauce
Dark soy sauce
Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
Sugar
Five-spice powder (optional)
Chili paste or flakes (optional)
Cornstarch (for thickening)
Chicken or beef broth
Cooking oil
Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
Cooked noodles or rice (for serving)

Directions

Heat cooking oil in a wok or deep skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of scallions. Sauté until fragrant.
Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
Stir in soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and optional five-spice powder and chili paste. Mix well.
Pour in broth and bring to a simmer.
Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Slowly stir it into the sauce to thicken.
Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thick and glossy.
Serve hot over noodles or rice, garnished with scallion greens and fresh cilantro.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian: Use minced mushrooms or tofu crumbles in place of meat.
Spicy: Increase the amount of chili paste or add Sichuan peppercorns.
Sweet & savory: Add a spoon of hoisin sauce for additional depth.
With egg: Top your bowl with a soft-boiled or fried egg for extra richness.
Different proteins: Try ground chicken, turkey, or even lamb for variation.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover meat sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat:

Warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

This sauce also freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of pork?

Yes, ground chicken works well and results in a lighter version of the sauce.

What noodles go best with this sauce?

Thick wheat noodles, ramen, or even spaghetti can hold the sauce well.

Is this meat sauce spicy?

It can be mild or spicy depending on how much chili you add. It’s fully adjustable.

Can I freeze this sauce?

Yes, this sauce freezes well for up to 2 months. Store in airtight containers.

What vegetables pair well with this dish?

Bok choy, napa cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts are excellent complements.

How do I prevent the meat from clumping?

Break up the meat well during the browning process, and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Is dark soy sauce necessary?

Dark soy sauce adds color and depth but can be substituted with regular soy sauce if unavailable.

Can I make this sauce in advance?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.

What’s the purpose of the cornstarch slurry?

It thickens the sauce to help it coat the noodles or rice better.

Can I serve this over rice instead of noodles?

Absolutely. It pairs excellently with steamed jasmine or short-grain rice.

Conclusion

Classic Chinese-Style Meat Sauce is an easy yet flavorful dish that delivers comforting, umami-rich goodness in every bite. Perfect over noodles or rice, it is a versatile recipe you will return to time and again. Ideal for quick dinners or batch cooking, this meat sauce is a must-have for lovers of authentic Chinese flavors.

Classic Chinese-Style Meat Sauce

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Classic Chinese-Style Meat Sauce is a savory, umami-rich sauce made with ground meat, aromatics, and a soy-based mixture, perfect for topping noodles or rice.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main
Method: Stir-fried
Cuisine: Chinese
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Heat oil in a wok or deep skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and white parts of scallions. Sauté until fragrant.
Add ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked.
Stir in soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, five-spice powder (if using), and chili paste or flakes (if using). Mix well.
Pour in broth and bring to a simmer.
Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce gradually to thicken.
Simmer the sauce for 5–7 minutes until it becomes slightly thick and glossy.
Serve hot over noodles or rice. Garnish with scallion greens and fresh cilantro or parsley.