Knockoff VH Honey Garlic Sauce

Oh yes — we can definitely do a knockoff canning version of VH Honey Garlic Sauce! 🍯🧄
VH’s version is glossy, sweet, garlicky, and soy-based — almost like a cross between teriyaki and a garlicky barbecue glaze. The trick is to keep it safe for canning (so no cornstarch until after you open it).

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🍯 Knockoff VH Honey Garlic Sauce (Canning Recipe)

Ingredients (makes ~6 half-pints)

• 1 cup soy sauce (regular, not low-sodium for best flavor)
• 1 ½ cups liquid honey
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup white vinegar (5% acidity)
• 1 cup water
• 10–12 cloves garlic, minced (about ½ cup — it’s meant to be garlicky!)
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp ground ginger (or 2 tbsp fresh grated)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)

For thickening after opening (not before canning):

• 3 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp cold water (slurry)

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Instructions

1. Cook base: In a large non-reactive pot, combine soy sauce, honey, sugar, vinegar, water, garlic, Worcestershire, ginger, pepper, and chili flakes.
2. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer 20–25 minutes, stirring often, until garlic is soft and flavors are blended.
3. Optional smoothness: If you want a silky smooth sauce like the bottled VH, use an immersion blender to puree before canning. If you prefer visible garlic bits, leave as is.
4. Prepare jars: Wash and sterilize jars, lids, and bands. Keep jars hot until ready.
5. Fill jars: Ladle hot sauce into hot jars, leaving ½ inch headspace. Remove bubbles, wipe rims, apply lids and bands.
6. Process:
   • Place jars in boiling water canner with at least 1" water above.
   • Process 20 minutes for half-pints/pints (adjust for altitude).
7. Cool & store: Remove jars, cool 12–24 hours, check seals. Store sealed jars in a cool dark spot up to 1 year. Refrigerate after opening.

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To Thicken for Use

1. Pour jar into saucepan, bring to simmer.
2. Mix cornstarch slurry (3 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp cold water).
3. Stir into hot sauce, cook until glossy and thickened.

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✅ This gives you that familiar VH-style honey garlic flavor — glossy, sticky-sweet, soy-rich, and garlicky.

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