Stress, poor nutrition and a more sedentary lifestyle are a few things that contribute to stagnation of qi in the body. The energetic nature of garlic promotes the smooth flow of qi. When qi is unencumbered our emotional well-being will also be more stable. Try this garlic sauce recipe as a marinade/sauce for your favorite protein or vegetable.
Get-Up-And-Go Garlic Sauce
3 Tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
3 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp rice wine or dry sherry
½ tsp chili oil or chili sauce or sriracha
1 Tbsp sesame oil
2 tsp arrowroot, cornstarch, potato starch or other thickener
1 ½ Tbsp vegetable oil (such as olive oil or canola oil)
1 Tbsp water
4 medium-size cloves of garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
Stir together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, rice wine, chili oil and sesame oil in a small bowl.
In a separate bowl, dissolve the thickener in the water to make a slurry.
Heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium heat, then add the garlic. Cook, stirring, until aromatic (about 30 seconds).
Add the chili mixture to the pan. Cook over low heat for about a minute.
Add the slurry and stir, then remove from heat.
Recipe from Ancient Wisdom, Modern Kitchen: Recipes from the East for Health, Healing and Long Life by Yuan Wang, Warren Sheir and Mika Ono.