You need a sauce that actually delivers on its promises, not another bottle of cloying syrup masquerading as teriyaki. You’ve stood in that aisle, squinting at labels, debating whether “natural flavors” means anything at all.
This list cuts through the noise with specific measurements, real prices, and the honest truth about which brands nail that umami balance, and which ones leave your tofu tasting like regret. Some of these sauces will surprise you; others might disappoint you, but you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into before you open your wallet.
Stick around if you want stir-fry nights that don’t end in Grubhub surrender.
Lee Kum Kee Vegetarian Stir-fry Sauce, 18 oz
Lee Kum Kee Vegetarian Stir-fry Sauce lands at 18 ounces of straight utility, and that’s precisely why it belongs here. You’re getting a hefty 1.12-pound bottle that doesn’t mess around with empty promises. It delivers that elusive umami punch you’re chasing, minus the actual oysters.
The ingredient list reads clean: non-GM soybeans, no artificial flavors, no chemical preservatives. You’ll appreciate the gluten-free formulation if wheat’s your nemesis.
Some vegan alternatives go cloying and one-note; this one layers savory depth without collapsing into sugar overload. Lee Kum Kee’s been at this since 1888, so they know their fermented bean game. That 18-oz size isn’t flashy, it’s practical. You’ll use it, you’ll enjoy it, and unlike those twee artisan bottles, you won’t ration it like liquid gold.
Best For: Cooks seeking a practical, savory umami boost for stir-fries who follow vegan or gluten-free diets and want clean-label ingredients without artificial additives or chemical preservatives.
Pros:
- Delivers complex savory depth without relying on excessive sugar or synthetic additives
- Generous 18-oz (1.12 lb) size offers better value than premium small-batch alternatives
- Clean formulation with non-GM soybeans, no artificial flavors, and no chemical preservatives
Cons:
- Packaging may vary, creating potential inconsistency in product appearance
- Alternative binding/product details remain unspecified
- “Oyster-flavored” descriptor may confuse some consumers seeking clearly labeled vegan products
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MUSHROOM-BASED & TRADITIONAL FLAVOR: This is an authentic vegan oyster sauce crafted entirely from plant-based ingredients. We use savory oyster mushrooms and natural yeast to achieve the rich, traditional flavor and thick texture of classic oyster sauce, making it the perfect choice for stir-fries and noodle dishes.
365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Stir-Fry Cooking Sauce, 10 Ounce
No hydrogenated fats or high fructose corn syrup allowed in any food No bleached or bromated flour No synthetic nitrates or nitrites
This one’s for busy weeknight cooks who want organic without the premium panic. You grab 9.5 ounces of 365 by Whole Foods Market’s Organic Stir-Fry Cooking Sauce, and you’re holding a smarter shortcut. No hydrogenated fats, no high fructose corn syrup, no bleached flour haunt this bottle.
You’ll appreciate the clean ingredient list when you’re tossing tofu and snap peas at 7 PM. The umami here builds quietly, not cloying, letting vegetables stay center stage. It’s single-unit packaging, no bulk commitment required. You won’t find synthetic nitrates lurking either. The 365 brand keeps its organic promise without performance anxiety. For weeknight stir-fries that don’t taste like compromise, you pour, you sizzle, you survive.
Best For: Busy weeknight cooks who want organic ingredients without complicated preparation.
Pros:
- Clean ingredient list free from hydrogenated fats, high fructose corn syrup, and synthetic additives
- Subtle umami flavor that complements vegetables without overpowering them
- Convenient single-unit 9.5 oz packaging with no bulk commitment required
Cons:
- Limited to 9.5 oz size, which may not suit larger households or frequent cooks
- Mild umami profile may disappoint those seeking bolder, restaurant-style stir-fry flavor
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No hydrogenated fats or high fructose corn syrup allowed in any food
9 fl oz bottle of organic kung pao sauce
Pretty Thai Peanut Sauce, Gluten Free & Vegan
Add Adventure to Your Cooking - Bring the tastes of Thailand to your table with our bold Thai peanut sauce. Tangy tamarind with a nutty Thai chili twist, it’ll transport...
Who needs a sauce that does it all? You’ll find your answer in Pretty Thai Peanut Sauce, a 10.5-ounce jar of gluten-free, vegan magic that refuses to sit quietly in your pantry.
This isn’t some cloying sugar bomb masquerading as Thai cuisine. Instead, you get bold umami from tamarind, genuine nuttiness, and warmth that heats without punishing your taste buds.
Chef-created means something here. You can transform stir-fries, dress slaws, rescue boring rice, or dunk raw vegetables without a second thought. The 100% natural, preservative-free formula proves convenience doesn’t require compromise.
Here’s where it gets interesting: Pretty Thai actually delivers on its “restaurant-quality” promise, transporting your kitchen to Bangkok by way of your stovetop. You’re paying for authenticity, not laboratory-engineered mediocrity. Families, skeptics, kids at your table, they’ll all find something to love. No artificial additives, no guilt, no PhD in cooking required.
You simply pour, toss, and eat like you know what you’re doing.
Best For: Home cooks seeking an authentic, versatile Thai peanut sauce that delivers restaurant-quality flavor without artificial additives or culinary expertise.
Pros:
- Authentic chef-developed flavor with genuine tamarind tanginess and balanced heat level
- Exceptional versatility across dishes—stir-fries, dressings, rice, noodles, vegetables, and proteins
- Clean label with 100% natural, preservative-free, gluten-free, vegan, and Non-GMO certified ingredients
Cons:
– Limited availability in physical retail locations may necessitate online ordering with shipping delays
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【THE OYSTER SAUCE FLAVOR YOU MISS, WITHOUT THE OYSTERS】Deep, savory, and full-bodied, this vegan oyster sauce brings the glossy texture and satisfying umami of the classic sauce to tofu, vegetables, noodles, and more. Plant-based should never mean settling for less flavor.
24Vegan All Natural Vegan Stir Fry Sauce (7.5 oz)
CERTIFIED VEGAN & CLEAN LABEL: Enjoy truly worry-free Asian cooking with our 100% Plant-Based, Certified Vegan formula. It's free from fish, eggs, dairy, and animal products,...
Seeking certified vegan authenticity without the chemical aftertaste? 24Vegan’s All Natural Vegan Stir Fry Sauce answers with a clean-label formula that actually delivers.
You get 7.5 ounces of certified vegan, gluten-free umami in a bottle that fits neatly in your palm. The yeast extract builds savory depth without MSG or artificial flavors, and the texture strikes that ideal balance: thick enough to cling, never cloying.
You’ll reach for it when tofu needs rescuing from blandness, or when lo mein craves a darker, richer coat. This woman-owned brand channels family recipes into something genuinely versatile. Dip spring rolls, build soup bases, or marinate vegetables; it adapts without fuss.
At roughly the size of a large smartphone, it won’t hog fridge space. The clean label reads like a relief, honestly. You taste plants, not laboratories.
Best For: Home cooks seeking a certified vegan, gluten-free stir fry sauce that delivers authentic umami depth without artificial flavors or MSG.
Pros:
- Certified vegan and gluten-free with a clean-label ingredient list free from artificial flavors and added MSG
- Versatile texture and rich umami flavor enhance everything from tofu and vegetables to noodles and spring rolls
- Compact 7.5 oz bottle size minimizes fridge space while providing enough sauce for multiple meals
Cons:
- May pose cross-contamination concerns for strict allergen avoidance when used as marinade for meat
- Small 7.5 oz volume may require frequent repurchase for regular stir-fry enthusiasts
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A tangy, irresistible sauce that adds a distinct sweet n' Sour Asian flair to your meal, Primal Kitchen no soy teriyaki sauce is an Uncompromisingly delicious condiment to savor every bite
WEEKNIGHT MEAL: Add our award winning Veri Veri Teriyaki Less Sodium Marinade & Sauce to your favorite homemade meal for an easy weeknight dinner with three delicious flavors - salty, gingery and garlicky,
The information below is per-pack only
Primal Kitchen Organic No Soy Teriyaki Sauce & Marinade, 8.5 OZ
A tangy, irresistible sauce that adds a distinct sweet n' Sour Asian flair to your meal, Primal Kitchen no soy teriyaki sauce is an Uncompromisingly delicious condiment to...
Primal Kitchen’s 8.5-ounce bottle hits the sweet spot for soy-sensitive home cooks who won’t compromise on that classic teriyaki glaze. You’ll appreciate how this organic formulation delivers that unmistakable sweet-and-sour Asian flair without a single drop of soy. The tang cuts through beautifully, never cloying, building genuine umami through clever ingredient layering rather than shortcuts.
At 8.5 ounces, it’s compact enough to stash in a crowded fridge, generous enough for multiple stir-fry sessions. You can marinate tofu, tempeh, or seitan, or simply finish vegetables right in the pan. The glaze sets with a respectable sheen, not that gloopy artificial shine lesser sauces leave behind.
Primal Kitchen knows their audience: you want clean labels, bold flavor, and versatility. This sauce checks every box, elevating weeknight bowls without demanding culinary school credentials.
Best For: Soy-sensitive home cooks who want authentic teriyaki flavor with clean ingredients and versatile cooking applications.
Pros:
- Delivers genuine sweet-and-sour Asian flavor without any soy through clever organic ingredient layering
- Compact 8.5-ounce size fits easily in crowded refrigerators while providing enough sauce for multiple meals
- Creates a natural, respectable glaze sheen without artificial thickeners or gloopy texture
Cons:
- Single 8.5-ounce bottle may require frequent repurchasing for regular stir-fry enthusiasts
- Specific “no soy” positioning may limit availability in stores with mainstream sauce selections
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Authentic & Bold Flavor – Experience the rich, savory taste of Lao Gan Ma’s famous chili oil infused with fermented black beans for a perfect balance of spice and umami.
365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Sweet Chili Sauce, 9 Fl Oz
Nine fluid ounce bottle of organic Thai-inspired sweet chili sauce Perfectly balanced blend of sweet and spicy flavors Versatile sauce for dipping, cooking, and marinades...
For those who want organic certification without the premium markup: this sauce delivers.
You grasp the 9-ounce bottle and notice the ingredient list immediately, organic peppers and garlic without the chemical alphabet soup that plagues cheaper alternatives. The heat builds gradually, never stomping on your palate like some aggressively spiked competitors, while the sweetness stops short of cloying territory. You taste genuine Thai inspiration here, not factory approximation.
Toss it into a screaming-hot wok with tofu and snap peas, or deploy it as a dip for crisp summer rolls. The versatility impresses without surprising you, that sweet-spicy equilibrium anchors stir-fries without demanding center stage. 365’s quality standards, over 100 prohibited ingredients barred from entry, mean you’re not settling. You are choosing smarter.
Best For: Budget-conscious home cooks seeking organic, Thai-inspired sweet chili sauce without artificial preservatives who want versatile flavor for dipping, marinades, and stir-fries.
Pros:
- Certified organic ingredients at an accessible price point
- Clean ingredient list free from over 100 prohibited additives
- Well-balanced heat and sweetness that complements rather than overpowers dishes
Cons:
- 9-ounce size may require frequent repurchasing for regular users
- Gradual heat buildup may disappoint those wanting aggressive spice
- Only available through Whole Foods Market distribution channels
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A blend of Kikkoman soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, oyster sauce, and Asian seasonings
Kikkoman Preservative Free Stir Fry Sauce Marinades and Sauce, 11.4 oz
Preservative free The package length of the product is 6 inches The package width of the product is 5 inches The package height of the product is 4 inches
The Kikkoman Preservative Free Stir Fry Sauce is your go-to if you’re dodging additives but still crave that deep, savory punch. You get 11.4 ounces of clean-label umami without the chemical aftertaste that clings to cheaper bottles. Kikkoman built its reputation on soy sauce mastery, and this formula honors that legacy: balanced salt, subtle sweetness, no preservatives muddying the finish.
You’ll notice the difference when you marinate tofu; the sauce penetrates evenly without turning gummy or harsh. At six by five by four inches, the bottle stores neatly, though you might wish for a larger size if you stir-fry weekly. The 2013 release date proves this isn’t trendy, it’s trusted. Some vegan sauces lean too sweet, but this one respects your vegetables. It won’t revolutionize your pantry, but it won’t disappoint you either. Sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
Best For: Home cooks who want authentic Asian flavor without artificial preservatives, especially those marinating tofu or vegetables weekly.
Pros:
- Clean-label umami with no chemical aftertaste from cheaper alternatives
- Penetrates tofu evenly without turning gummy or harsh during marination
- Trusted formula since 2013 with balanced salt and subtle sweetness
- Compact 6″ × 5″ × 4″ bottle stores neatly in any kitchen
Cons:
- Small 11.4 oz size may frustrate frequent stir-fry cooks
- Not revolutionary or flashy—just reliable performance
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10 oz organic teriyaki sauce
10 oz organic hoisin sauce
𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥, 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐝 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐲 ?𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝟎 𝐦𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 – Hit your sodium goals and still look forward to dinner. With ginger, onion, garlic and rare spices, this organic ginger stir fry sauce from Mr. Spice delivers wok-style depth without the salty aftershock, letting you toss chicken, shrimp, and crisp vegetables confidently. Built to be a low sodium stir fry sauce from the start, it gives you the bite and finish you crave, turning low sodium eating into a nightly win.
Amazon Brand – Aplenty, Japanese Teriyaki Sauce & Marinade, 14.5 oz
A tangy, sweet favorite with ginger purée, pineapple juice and toasted sesame oil. Use to marinate beef or chicken, or stir-fry your choice of protein with veggies and serve...
Need teriyaki that won’t drown your veggies in cloying sugar? You’ll find balance in Aplenty’s 14.5-ounce bottle. Amazon’s house brand delivers tangy-sweet complexity through ginger purée, pineapple juice, and toasted sesame oil.
The umami lands without overwhelming, letting your vegetables remain the star. You’re skipping artificial flavors, synthetic colors, and high-fructose corn syrup here. That’s commendable, though you’ll need to work around the soy, wheat, and sesame content if allergies factor into your cooking.
The label suggests beef or chicken, but you’ll pivot easily toward tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Marinate your protein, fire up the wok, or simply drizzle over rice. At 14.5 ounces, you’re getting respectable volume for regular stir-fry nights.
It’s competent, accessible, and genuinely pleasant, if not revolutionary. Sometimes that’s exactly what your Tuesday evening demands.
Best For: Home cooks seeking a balanced, not-too-sweet teriyaki sauce for weeknight stir-fries and marinades without artificial ingredients.
Pros:
- Clean ingredient profile with no artificial flavors, synthetic colors, or high-fructose corn syrup
- Well-balanced flavor that doesn’t overpower vegetables, thanks to ginger, pineapple, and sesame oil
- Versatile for multiple proteins including meat, tofu, tempeh, and seitan
Cons:
- Contains common allergens (soy, wheat, sesame) that limit accessibility for some households
- 14.5 oz bottle may require frequent repurchase for regular stir-fry cooks
- Described as competent but not revolutionary, which may disappoint those seeking standout, restaurant-quality teriyaki
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CERTIFIED VEGAN & CLEAN LABEL: Enjoy truly worry-free Asian cooking with our 100% Plant-Based, Certified Vegan formula. It's free from fish, eggs, dairy, and animal products, making it perfect for tofu, vegetables, and dedicated vegan meals.
House of Tsang General Tso Sauce, 12.6 Ounce
Stir fry sauce made for General Tso's chicken 45 calories per serving Sweet and spicy blend of soy sauce, vinegar, ginger and garlic Asian stir-fry sauce Made with natural...
You want a sauce that doesn’t play it safe. House of Tsang General Tso Sauce brings heat you can actually taste, with ginger and garlic leading the charge instead of hiding behind sugar. You’ll appreciate the 45-calorie restraint, though let’s be honest: you’ll probably use more than the serving size suggests.
The soy-vinegar backbone offers genuine umami without tipping into cloying territory, and the no-MSG claim feels like a small win for your pantry. At 12.6 ounces, you’ve got enough for multiple stir-fries, or one really ambitious batch. Hormel’s grocery arm knows mass production, but this bottle retains surprising personality.
Toss it with tofu and vegetables; watch it caramelize without burning. You could do worse for weeknight convenience. You could also do better if you’re hunting artisanal depth, but that isn’t the point here. This is reliable heat, bottled and ready.
Best For: Home cooks seeking a convenient, flavorful stir-fry sauce with genuine heat and umami depth for weeknight meals without sacrificing natural ingredients.
Pros:
- Delivers authentic spicy-sweet flavor with prominent ginger and garlic that doesn’t rely on excessive sugar
- Made with natural ingredients and no MSG added for a cleaner ingredient profile
- Versatile enough to caramelize well with proteins and vegetables without burning
Cons:
- Lacks the artisanal depth that more premium or homemade sauces offer
- Serving size is likely underestimated, meaning the bottle depletes faster than expected
- Heat level and flavor intensity may require using more product than listed to achieve desired results
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Teriyaki marinade and sauce is great for adding to veggies, meat or chicken
24Vegan All Natural Vegan Stir Fry Sauce (3-Pack)
Want assurance that “vegan” actually means clean ingredients? 24Vegan All Natural Vegan Stir Fry Sauce delivers with a formula that’s gluten-free, non-GMO, and MSG-free, though “no MSG added” leaves some wiggle room that purists might side-eye.
You get three 7.5-ounce bottles. The umami here comes from mushroom and tamari, not yeast extract shortcuts. It coats vegetables evenly without turning gloppy, and you’ll appreciate the restrained sweetness that never cloys.
The dipping quality surprises; you won’t need to dilute. Some testers found the viscosity slightly thin for high-heat wok work, so reduce aggressively or add a cornstarch slurry. That “natural” label actually holds up under scrutiny. You could do worse, but you could also find bolder flavor profiles elsewhere.
Best For: Health-conscious home cooks seeking a clean-label vegan stir fry sauce who prioritize gluten-free, non-GMO ingredients over maximum umami intensity.
Pros:
- Clean ingredient profile with no artificial additives and genuine “natural” credentials
- Versatile consistency works well for both cooking and dipping without modification
- Balanced, restrained sweetness that complements vegetables without overwhelming them
Cons:
- Viscosity runs thin for high-heat wok cooking, requiring reduction or thickening
- Flavor profile lacks boldness compared to more intensely seasoned competitor sauces
Factors to Consider When Choosing Vegan Stir Fry Sauce
Before you stock your pantry, scrutinize the label for full ingredient transparency, solid certifications that aren’t just greenwashing, and flavor profiles that deliver genuine umami rather than cloying sugar bombs. You’ll want sauces versatile enough to handle everything from seared tempeh to blistered bok choy, plus clear allergen statements because nobody needs a surprise sesame oil situation at 7 PM.
Measure your priorities against price per ounce, typically $0.35 to $1.20, and don’t settle for thin, watery consistency when a proper sauce should cling to your vegetables like it means business.
Ingredient Transparency
Why settle for mystery ingredients when you’re building a stir-fry masterpiece? You deserve to know exactly what’s creating that deep umami in your pan. Check labels for complete disclosure of soy, wheat, and sesame, those common triggers that can turn dinner into disaster.
You’ll want explicit notes on preservatives and artificial flavors, too. Some sauces proudly declare “no added MSG” or “no artificial anything,” while others hide behind vague “natural flavoring.” That’s a red flag.
Look for organic or non-GMO claims, they signal cleaner sourcing. Clear naming of yeast extract and sweeteners matters, you shouldn’t need a chemistry degree to understand your dinner.
Packaging with bold allergen statements shows respect for your intelligence, and your health.
Dietary Certifications
How exactly do you verify a sauce earns its vegan stripes? You scan for explicit vegan or plant-based labeling, plain and simple. No label, no trust, that’s your rule.
You also check for gluten-free certifications if wheat’s your enemy, and you hunt down non-GMO verification because nobody wants mystery soybeans muddying their umami. Watch for “Certified Vegan” seals or “No MSG Added” claims. These aren’t just marketing fluff, they’re your shortcut through ingredient lists.
You avoid artificial flavors and preservatives like you’d dodge a cloying, one-note sauce. Clean labels matter. When a brand sources from verified plant origins, you taste the difference, subtle but real. Certifications cut through the noise. You deserve transparency, not guessing games.
Flavor Profiles
Where do you even begin when every bottle promises magic? You start by decoding what you actually crave. Thai peanut sauces hit that tangy-tasty balance, while teriyaki delivers a sweet-sour glaze that clings without getting cloying. Check the spice rating, a 2.5/5 means gentle warmth, not a face-melting situation.
Thai-inspired options lean on tamarind, Thai chili, and nutty depth for serious regional character. Teriyaki doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but you don’t always need innovation, you need reliability.
Yeast extract builds umami without fish sauce, and pineapple juice adds brightness that synthetic shortcuts can’t fake. Sesame oil? That’s your aromatic backbone. Read the label, taste the intention, and you’ll spot the difference between genuine complexity and one-note sweetness fast.
Versatility Uses
A great sauce earns its shelf space by pulling double, triple, or quadruple duty. You’ll want something that transitions seamlessly from stir-fry to marinade, salad dressing, or dipping companion without losing its punch. Look for vegan, plant-based labels first.
Then test versatility. A peanut-based sauce brings umami depth to tofu but shouldn’t turn cloying when tossed with cold noodles. Sweet chili works beautifully as a glaze yet stands alone for spring rolls.
Check gluten-free options if you’re cooking for sensitive eaters, and don’t dismiss organic or non-GMO claims: they’re your shorthand for cleaner, minimally processed ingredients weighing around 12 to 16 ounces per bottle, typically $4 to $7.
Match flavor profiles smartly: teriyaki complements heartier vegetables, while soy-based oyster alternatives elevate mushrooms without overpowering. You’re building a sauce arsenal, not collecting one-trick ponies.
Allergen Safety
The wrong stir-fry sauce can turn dinner into disaster if you’re feeding someone with allergies. You’ve got to scrutinize labels for explicit allergen statements, because many vegan sauces lean heavily on soy and hide sesame or peanuts in unexpected places.
Check for certified gluten-free seals if wheat’s your enemy, since soy sauce and wheat thickeners lurk everywhere. You’re scanning for “may contain traces” warnings too, those sneaky cross-contact notes that factories slip in.
Some sauces promise clean labels without artificial flavors or cloying preservatives, and you’ll appreciate that transparency. Organic or non-GMO claims often tag along with better allergen practices, though don’t let them distract you from the actual ingredient list.
Your safest bet? Read twice, cook once.
Brand Ethics
Beyond keeping allergens at bay, you’re also voting with your wallet, and that means sizing up who’s actually making your sauce.
Check for clear vegan labeling, non-GMO status, and gluten-free claims. These show real commitment to inclusive, plant-based ingredients. Scan for artificial flavors, preservatives, or MSG: their absence signals ethical stewardship you can taste without that cloying, fake umami aftertaste.
Certifications matter. Organic or vegan seals prove someone’s actually auditing the process. Dig deeper into mission-driven brands. Women-owned companies or those championing healthy eating often pour genuine values into every bottle.
Transparent sourcing and manufacturing details build trust: vague labels raise red flags. Clear allergen guidance shows they respect your safety. You’re not just buying sauce, you’re backing accountability.
Packaging Size
Your sauce stash lives or dies by the bottle size you choose, and this lineup spans a genuinely useful range. You will find options from 7.5 oz to 14.5 oz, with common single bottles hitting 9 oz, 10.5 oz, 12.6 oz, and 14.5 oz. Some brands offer multi-pack configurations, typically three-packs, which you will want if you cook frequently or fear running out mid-week. Pack of 1 labeling keeps things straightforward, though you should double-check since packaging varies within product lines.
Pay attention to fluid ounce specifications, because they directly impact your portion math: nobody wants a cloying, oversauced disaster or a dry, umami-starved skillet. An 18 oz bottle might suit your heavy-handed tendencies, while a 9.5 oz option suits occasional stir-fry enthusiasts. Size matters, so choose wisely based on your weekly wok rotation.
