Print

Classic Chinese-Style Meat Sauce

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

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.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 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

Instructions

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

Notes

  • Adjust chili to preferred spice level.
  • Use dark soy sauce for deeper flavor and color.
  • This sauce freezes well and is great for meal prep.
  • Try different proteins like chicken, turkey, or lamb.
  • Vegetarian version works well with mushrooms or tofu crumbles.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastyera.com/classic-chinese-style-meat-sauce/