Black Garlic Sauce: 5 Easy, Umami-Rich Recipes (Under $2.50/Serving)

By Rossi Voss | April 5, 2025 | Prep: 5–10 mins | Cook: 5–15 mins | Servings: 4 | Cost: $1.80–$2.40/serving

Difficulty: Easy | Appliance: Stove, Bowl, Spoon | Author: Rossi Voss

As someone who wrote 100 Beginner’s Black Garlic Sauce Cookbook (only $0.99!), I know few ingredients transform meals like black garlic — that deep, savory, slightly sweet fermented garlic with the magic umami punch.

These 5 Black Garlic Sauce Recipes turn basic ingredients into restaurant-worthy dishes — all under $10 total per batch. Plus, I’ll show you exactly where to buy black garlic cheapest, how to stock up in bulk, and when to shop for maximum savings.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5 (Based on 92 Reviews)
Readers love how rich and affordable these flavor bombs are!

Why This Works

• All ingredients under $10 total — proven budget win.
• No specialty stores required — most items found at Walmart, Kroger, or Asian markets.
• Freezer-friendly — make ahead and portion for future meals.
• Versatile — works on ramen, proteins, sandwiches, roasted veggies.

1. Easy Black Garlic Ramen Upgrade

Servings: 4 | Protein: 14g | Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 5 mins | Cost: $2.00/serving | Total Cost: $8.00

• 4 packs instant ramen (discard seasoning)
• ¼ cup black garlic paste
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 soft-boiled eggs
• Green onions, sliced

1. Heat broth, black garlic paste, and soy sauce in a pot 3 mins.
2. Add noodles, cook 3 mins.
3. Top with egg and green onions.
4. Serve immediately.

TIP: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.

2. Black Garlic Aioli (Dip & Spread)

Yield: 1 cup | Prep: 10 mins | Cost: $1.80/serving (as condiment) | Total Cost: $7.20

• ½ cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp black garlic paste
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Whisk all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
2. Chill 30 mins before serving.
3. Use as dip, sandwich spread, or drizzle over roasted potatoes.

TIP: Double the batch and freeze in small jars for future burgers or grain bowls.

3. Black Garlic Stir-Fry Sauce

Servings: 4 | Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 5 mins | Cost: $2.20/serving | Total Cost: $8.80

• ¼ cup black garlic paste
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Add to stir-fry during last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
3. Toss with tofu, chicken, or veggies and serve over rice.

4. Black Garlic Marinade for Chicken or Tofu

Servings: 4 | Marinate: 30 mins–2 hrs | Cook: 15–20 mins | Cost: $2.40/serving | Total Cost: $9.60

• ¼ cup black garlic paste
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 lb chicken thighs or firm tofu

1. Whisk marinade ingredients.
2. Pour over protein, marinate 30+ mins.
3. Grill, bake, or air fry until cooked through.

5. Black Garlic Pasta Sauce (Creamy)

Servings: 4 | Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Cost: $2.30/serving | Total Cost: $9.20

• ¼ cup black garlic paste
• ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)

1. Cook pasta according to package.
2. In a pan, melt butter, add black garlic paste, cook 1 min.
3. Stir in cream and cheese until smooth.
4. Toss with pasta. Season and serve.

Smart Shopping Guide: How to Buy Black Garlic & Save Money

📍 Where to Buy It Cheapest

• Korean Markets: Often sell 3-pack tubes for $5–$7 (vs. $12 at Whole Foods).
• Costco/Walmart: Look for brands like “O-Mark” or “Great Value” in refrigerated section.
• Amazon: Subscribe & Save on Kikkoman or Lee Kum Kee black garlic paste (save 15%).

📅 Best Day & Time to Shop

• Tuesdays & Wednesdays: Grocery restock day — freshest produce and clearance stickers appear.
• Evening (7–8 PM): Markdowns on perishables, including sauces and dairy.
• First Week of Month: New coupons released in digital apps (Kroger, Safeway, Target).

📦 Bulk Buying Strategy

• Buy 2–3 tubes when on sale (watch for BOGO 50% off).
• Freeze black garlic paste in ice cube trays (1 cube = 1 tsp).
• Pair with other Asian staples (soy, rice vinegar) for full-flavor pantry kit.

💰 Cost-Saving Tips

• All ingredients under $10 total — track every recipe this way.
• Use store-brand mayo, broth, and pasta to cut costs without losing flavor.
• Double batches and freeze — saves time and prevents impulse takeout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy black garlic paste cheap?

Check Asian grocery stores, warehouse clubs like Costco, or Amazon Subscribe & Save. Korean and Japanese markets often have it for 30–50% less than supermarkets.

Can I make my own black garlic?

Yes! Ferment regular garlic in a rice cooker or yogurt maker at 140°F for 30–40 days. No additives needed — just time and heat.

How do I store black garlic sauce?

Store in an airtight jar in the fridge up to 3 weeks, or freeze in ice cube trays for up to 6 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.

Related Recipes

• More Sauce Recipes
• Instant Pot Flavor Boosters
• Cheap Meal Hacks

Cookbook Pick: Want 95 more ways to use black garlic? Get 100 Beginner’s Black Garlic Sauce Cookbook for just $0.99 on Kindle!

Free Printable: Download your Free 4-Week High-Protein Meal Plan PDF — includes grocery lists and appliance guides.