Black garlic sauce has always been my favorite for its bold, umami-packed flavors. For me, it’s a hidden gem. It delivers sweetness and tanginess and has a balsamic-like flavor. But I don’t want to rely on store-bought ones, as they may contain additives. So I tried this recipe at home. And trust me, it turned out so great that I didn’t expect it.
Do you want to make the homemade black garlic sauce like me? Then check out my recipe guide below.

What is Black Garlic Sauce?
Black garlic sauce is a fermented garlic sauce because the black garlic forms when the garlic is fermented. The fermentation is done in a humid environment and at a high temperature. This makes the garlic clove soft, jammy, and dark.
It’s one of those sweet and savory sauces that has a rich umami flavor. You can easily drizzle it over grilled meats, vegetables, pasta, and pizza.
Ingredients You Need
Before you start making your savory black garlic condiment, make sure you have these ingredients.
Black Garlic Cloves (¼ cup)
Make sure the black garlic cloves are peeled. You may need 8 to 10 cloves to make it up to ¼ cup. This is going to give a soft and sweet umami base to the sauce.
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Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (½ cup)
½ cup of low-sodium soy sauce is going to give a salty depth but won’t overload the sodium.
Tahini (¼ cup)
For a creamy texture, use ¼ cup of tahini. It also gives a nutty undertone to the sauce.
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Balsamic Vinegar (3 tbsp)
3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar can add sweetness to your sauce and balance its richness.
Water (2 tbsp)
You may need 2 tablespoons of water or more to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
How to Make Black Garlic Sauce with 5 Simple Steps?
Now we have all the ingredients with us. We can start with our umami black garlic sauce recipe.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
First peel all the garlic cloves, be it 8, 9, or 10. The black garlic is going to look like a date, soft and dark. It’s best for giving the sauce a rich, complex flavor.
Step 2: Blend Everything
Now take a food processor. Combine black garlic, soy sauce, tahini, balsamic vinegar, and water in it. Blend everything together.
Step 3: Adjust the Texture
If the sauce seems very thick, add some more water, like 1 or 2 tablespoons. Blend them again until you get a smooth consistency.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Now add tahini into it. You find a deep nuttiness in it. And if you want some more brightness, add an extra splash of vinegar.
Step 5: Store Properly
Now transfer the sauce into a clean glass jar. Seal it and refrigerate it, and you can have it for several weeks.
Special Tips
To make your black garlic pasta sauce more flavorful, follow the tips below.
- Always use fresh black garlic for this recipe.
- Opt for low-sodium soy sauce so that your heart remains healthy.
- Use maple syrup if you want sweetness from the sauce.
- You can use sake or mirin to get that authentic Asian flavor
Best Pairings for Black Garlic Sauce
Don’t forget to try out your Asian black garlic sauce with the below dishes.
- Grilled steak
- Roasted chicken
- Pork chops
- Seared salmon
- Grilled shrimp
- Grilled tofu
- Vegan meatballs
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Mashed potatoes
- Noodles
- Quinoa
How to Make the Most Out of Your Black Garlic Sauce?
Black Garlic sauce is not just a condiment, it’s a flavorful booster. Everyone would want to make the most out of it. Here’s how you can also:
- Store it Right: Keep your sauce in an airtight glass jar and store it in the refrigerator. For two weeks it will stay fresh. In fact, day by day the taste will become better.
- Use it as a Marinade: Combine it with olive oil and soy or balsamic vinegar. Then you can use it with meat or tofu to make them more flavorful.
- Add to Dressings and Dips: Mix a spoonful of your Black Garlic Sauce with hummus, salad dressing, or yoghurt dip.

Black Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Black Garlic Cloves
- 1/2 Cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
- 1/4 Cup Tahini
- 3 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 2-4 Tbsp Water
Instructions
- Start with peeling the black garlic cloves. Place them into a blender and blend them.
- Add soy sauce, tahini, balsamic vinegar, and water to the mixture.
- Blend everything again until they become smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add some more water.
- Taste the sauce and see if any adjustments are needed. You can add extra vinegar or tahini if you want.
- Once the sauce becomes ready, pour it into a clean jar. Then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Nutrition
Conclusion
So you have successfully made your black garlic sauce. Let me know how your experience was. If you want, you can adjust the ingredients. Like, adding more soy sauce for tanginess, adding more tahini for a creamy texture, and so on.
Don’t forget to add this condiment to your house parties. People will be a fan of your sauce. If needed, prepare a good amount of black garlic sauce in advance and store it in the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Black Garlic and How is It Different From Regular Garlic?
Black garlic is aged and fermented regular garlic. After it ferments and turns black, it’s known as black garlic.
What Are the Best Dishes to Pair With Black Garlic Sauce
With garlic sauce you can try many dishes. Such as garlic bread, roasted beef, pasta, butter, hummus, mashed potatoes, pork chops, etc.
Can Black Garlic Sauce Be Stored or Frozen?
Yes, you can store black garlic in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and in the freezer for two months. But make sure it is stored in an airtight container.