If you're a fan of bold flavors and easy-to-make meals, Trader Joe’s General Tsao Stir Fry Sauce is here to save the day. This sauce packs the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, making it an excellent addition to stir-fry dishes, chicken, or even roasted vegetables. With its restaurant-inspired taste, you can recreate your favorite takeout meal right at home without the hassle.
At $3.49 for a 14.5-ounce bottle, Trader Joe’s General Tsao Stir Fry Sauce offers a convenient and affordable way to add some zing to your weeknight dinners.
Product Description
Trader Joe’s General Tsao Stir Fry Sauce is a classic take on the sweet and tangy sauce we all know from Chinese takeout. It combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the kick of soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of heat from chili peppers. The sauce is thick enough to coat your stir-fry ingredients evenly, making it perfect for quick, flavorful meals. It’s also versatile, working well with proteins like chicken, tofu, or shrimp, as well as veggies and noodles.
Honest Review of Trader Joe’s General Tsao Stir Fry Sauce
Flavor: This sauce delivers exactly what you expect: a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile that’s perfect for stir fry. The balance of flavors is just right, with a sweetness that’s not overpowering and a mild heat that gives it a bit of kick without being too spicy. The soy sauce adds a nice umami depth, while the garlic and chili provide a bit of complexity.
Texture: The sauce has a thick, syrupy consistency that makes it easy to coat your stir-fry ingredients evenly. Whether you're tossing it with veggies or using it as a glaze for chicken, the sauce holds up well without getting watery or clumpy.
Performance: For a store-bought sauce, Trader Joe’s General Tsao Stir Fry Sauce does a great job of replicating the flavors you’d find in a takeout restaurant. It’s perfect for those nights when you want a quick, flavorful meal without a lot of prep time. It works beautifully in stir-fry dishes but also shines as a marinade or dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Key ingredients include:
- Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Provides the sauce with its signature sweetness.
- Garlic: Adds a savory depth to balance the sweetness.
- Chili Peppers: Bring a mild heat that rounds out the flavor.
- Ginger: Adds a subtle spice and freshness to the sauce.
How to Use Trader Joe’s General Tsao Stir Fry Sauce
- Stir Fry: Heat a pan with oil and stir-fry your choice of protein (like chicken or tofu) and vegetables (such as broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots). Once cooked, add a generous amount of the sauce, toss everything to coat, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until everything is heated through.
- Glaze: Brush the sauce onto baked or grilled chicken, shrimp, or pork as a glaze to add a sweet, tangy finish.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, or crispy chicken tenders for a flavorful side.
Recipe Suggestions
- General Tsao’s Chicken Stir Fry: Stir fry chicken with bell peppers, onions, and broccoli, then toss with General Tsao Stir Fry Sauce. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Tofu Stir Fry: For a vegetarian option, stir fry crispy tofu cubes with carrots, snap peas, and mushrooms, then coat with the sauce.
- General Tsao’s Cauliflower: Toss roasted cauliflower florets with General Tsao sauce for a healthy, delicious alternative to the traditional chicken dish.
FAQs about Trader Joe's General Tsao's Stir Fry Sauce
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
Unfortunately, this sauce contains soy sauce, which includes wheat, so it’s not gluten-free.
Yes, it works wonderfully as a marinade for chicken, beef, pork, or tofu. Just marinate your protein for 30 minutes before cooking.
The sauce has a mild heat, so it’s not overly spicy. Even if you’re not a fan of heat, you’ll likely find it enjoyable.
Yes, stir-fry dishes made with this sauce can be frozen, but the sauce itself should be stored in the fridge after opening.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s General Tsao Stir Fry Sauce is a versatile, flavorful sauce that delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. Whether you're making a stir fry, glazing chicken, or using it as a dipping sauce, this sauce makes it easy to create restaurant-style meals at home. It’s a convenient option for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without a lot of effort. At $3.49, it’s an affordable pantry staple that will become your go-to for quick, flavorful dinners. Just be aware that it’s not gluten-free, but it’s a fantastic sauce for anyone looking to recreate that classic takeout taste.
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Trader Joe's General Tsao Stir Fry Sauce
Product Name: Trader Joe's General Tsao Stir Fry Sauce
Product Description: Trader Joe’s General Tsao Stir Fry Sauce offers a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor perfect for quick, flavorful stir fries.
Price: $3.49
Summary
Trader Joe’s General Tsao Stir Fry Sauce offers a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor perfect for quick, flavorful stir-fries.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Versatile: Works with a variety of proteins and vegetables, perfect for stir fry, glazing, or dipping.
- Balanced Flavor: The right mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that mimic takeout sauce.
- Affordable: At $3.49 per bottle, it’s an inexpensive way to bring restaurant-style flavors into your kitchen.
- Quick & Convenient: Saves time in the kitchen, offering a ready-to-use sauce for busy nights.
Cons
- Not Gluten-Free: Contains soy sauce with wheat, so it’s not suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Mild Heat: Those who prefer a spicier kick might find the heat level too mild.
Amy says
I've been wanting to try this but was always hesitant. Definitely picking it up next time!
becomebetty says
Would love to hear what you think of it!
Terry Graff says
Gotta try the GYOZA sauce….my favorite! Sooooo good!!
becomebetty says
I did. I loved it too!! Thanks for stopping by! https://www.becomebetty.com/trader-joes-gyoza-dipping-sauce/
Ms.M says
I brought this sauce yesterday. Now I am anxious to try!
becomebetty says
Would love to hear what you think about it!
Dawn says
Always loved this sauce. They used to have a bok choy mix at Trader’s that I would stir fry with their frozen chicken breast strips and this sauce. I would make that for dinner and switch it off with their Mahi Mahi and Broccoli slaw for dinner every night. I lost 35 lbs just doing that. It was all delicious.
becomebetty says
Hey Dawn! Your stir fry sounds pretty darn awesome and I have the Mahi Mahi waiting in my freezer. Wow! Congrats on losing weight. That is an impressive feat. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Marc says
This is my favorite product at TJ. Have bought hundreds of bottles over the years. I just stir fry chicken with sesame oil and some onions, combine with rice, then pour sauce over and mix in. Even out of refrigerator, the sauce is warmed up by the food, but probably could add into the pan at the end to heat up a bit. Have not found anything comparable. Powerful flavor, so can error on the sparse side of how much you use.
becomebetty says
Hey Marc! I like this sauce quite a bit and I think this rivals the frozen Chinese take out options in the freezer section. I'm from NYC and we have some great takeout options, but in terms of at home, I too haven't found anything nearly as good as this either. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on this!
Melissa says
Going to try it tonight 😁. Do you dip the chicken chunks in egg, then corn starch and stir fry in some oil?
Thanks
becomebetty says
You can do it either way. I hope you share how you liked it when you are done.