Garlic Sauce

A garlicky sauce is a great way to add extra flavor to stir-fry dishes, particularly seafood dishes. The seasonings for garlic sauce are available in the international food section of many local supermarkets. Yields about 1/2 cup.

Ingredients:

* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

* 1 tablespoon light soy sauce

* 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce

* 2 teaspoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry

* 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon chili sauce, or according to taste (I use 1/2 teaspoon)

* 1/4 teaspoon Asian sesame oil

* 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch

* 1 tablespoon water

* 1 tablespoon vegetable or peanut oil

* 3 - 4 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped (4 teaspoons - 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped garlic)

Preparation:

Combine the rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauces, rice wine or sherry, chili sauce and sesame oil in a small bowl, stirring to combine. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the water.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Add the garlic and cook, stirring until aromatic (about 30 seconds).

Quickly restir the sauce, add it into the saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring. (This will take about a minute).

Re-stir the cornstarch/water mixture and add it to the sauce, stirring to thicken.

Use the sauce in stir-fry dishes.