Chinese Orange Sauce Recipe

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Before diving into the delightful world of Chinese orange sauce, let’s consider what you might pair it with. This sauce shines best with a variety of dishes.

Picture this: crispy spring rolls, tender chicken stir-fries, succulent grilled shrimp, or even simple steamed broccoli. Each pairing brings out the sauce’s citrusy sweetness and tang, creating a harmony of flavors that dance on your taste buds.

When I first stumbled upon Chinese orange sauce, I was immediately captivated by its bright, refreshing taste. Having enjoyed it in numerous Chinese restaurants, I decided it was time to tackle making it at home.

The great news? The process is straightforward, and the results are nothing short of delicious.

This sauce can elevate everyday meals, transforming chicken or tofu into something special. Whether you’re preparing dinner for family or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about creating your very own Chinese orange sauce.

Table of Contents

What is Chinese Orange Sauce?

Chinese orange sauce is a silky, sweet sauce that balances citrusy orange juice with soy sauce and various other ingredients. It’s often used as a glaze for stir-fried dishes, saturating vegetables and proteins with its zesty goodness.

The sauce is known for its vibrant orange color and a flavor that is sweet, tangy, and slightly salty—all attributes that cater to a wide palate.

Why This Recipe Works

There are a few compelling reasons why this particular recipe for Chinese orange sauce stands out:

1. Easy to Make:
You don’t need a culinary degree to whip this sauce up. With just a few ingredients that are commonly found in most pantries, you can create something remarkable in minutes.

2. Customizable Flavor:
Whether you enjoy a sweeter or more tangy flavor, this recipe allows you to adjust the sweetness or acidity according to your taste buds. Want more zing? Add a splash of lime juice. Prefer it sweeter? Just turn up the brown sugar.

3. Healthy Ingredients:
Made with wholesome ingredients like fresh orange juice and ginger, this sauce not only provides flavor but also nutritional benefits. You’re enriching your meals without resorting to unhealthy additives.

4. Versatile Use:
This sauce is incredibly versatile. Use it as a marinade, a dipping sauce, or a stir-fry addition. Its adaptability makes it a must-have for various dishes—Asian or otherwise.

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Chinese Orange Sauce

To get started, gather the following ingredients:

2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
1 teaspoon olive oil (or other neutral cooking oil)
⅓ cup water
½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
⅓ cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
¼ cup soy sauce

For the Cornstarch Slurry:

2 tablespoons cornstarch
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice (optional, for extra tanginess)
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for a nutty depth of flavor)

How To Make This Chinese Orange Sauce?

Ready to make this delicious sauce? Follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Freshly squeeze the oranges for juice and finely mince the garlic and ginger. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smoother.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about a minute until fragrant. This step layers in depth and flavor, setting the tone for your sauce.

Step 3: Combine the Main Ingredients

Pour in the orange juice, water, brown sugar, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir everything together. This mixture creates the base of your sauce, combining all the bright, delicious flavors.

Step 4: Create the Slurry

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water, stirring until it’s smooth. This slurry is your secret weapon for thickening the sauce just right.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Bring the sauce to a simmer on the stove. As it starts bubbling, add the cornstarch slurry while continuously stirring. You’ll notice the sauce thickening quickly. This is your moment! If you want a little extra tang, feel free to toss in the lime juice here.

Step 6: Finish with Sesame Oil

Once thickened, the sauce should be glossy and luxurious. For an extra kick, add sesame oil for a nutty depth. Stir it in well.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Give it a taste. If you find it too sweet, add a tad more vinegar. If it’s too tangy, a little more sugar will even out the flavors. Once you have the taste where you want it, remove from heat.

Tips

To ensure your sauce turns out perfectly every time, consider the following:

Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh orange juice and ginger for the best flavors. Bottled juices tend to lack depth.
Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water. If it’s too thin, repeat the cornstarch slurry step to thicken.
Storage: This sauce keeps well. Make a larger batch and store it for later use—just remember to adjust the thickness after refrigeration.
Serving Temperature: Serve warm right away for optimal flavor. Reheat gently if using from the fridge.
Experiment: Don’t hesitate to try new additions. Pineapple juice or even sriracha can add exciting new dimensions.

How to Store the Leftovers?

If you end up with extra sauce, storing it is easy. Pour the cooled sauce into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will last up to a week.

When ready to use, reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.

Recommended Side Dishes for Chinese Orange Sauce

Pairing dishes can elevate your meal. Here are four delightful suggestions:

1. Stir-Fried Broccoli:
Bright green broccoli drizzled with orange sauce creates a nutrient-rich side dish. The sauce complements the earthiness of the broccoli beautifully.

2. Crispy Tofu:
Crispy, golden-brown tofu acts as a sponge for the orange flavor. The crunchy texture pairs excellently with the sauce’s silky finish.

3. Fried Rice:
Classic fried rice, mixed with vegetables, becomes something special when topped with this zesty orange sauce. It’s comfort food turned gourmet.

4. Spring Rolls:
Cool, crispy spring rolls stuffed with vibrant veggies are perfect for dipping into this sauce. It adds a citrusy kick that contrasts nicely with the crunch.

Substitute Options for Ingredients

Not all ingredients might be present in your pantry. Here are some substitutes you can consider:

1. Maple Syrup:
Honey or agave nectar can replace maple syrup. Adjust the quantity as needed for sweetness.

2. Rice Vinegar:
If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a good substitute. It may impart a bit more tang, so start with less.

3. Soy Sauce:
For a gluten-free option, use tamari. If you’re aiming for a low-sodium version, select low-sodium soy sauce.

4. Fresh Orange Juice:
Canned or bottled orange juice can be used in a pinch. However, for optimal flavor, fresh is always best.

Chinese Orange Sauce Recipe

Mary Lee RD

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 12

Total Time 17

Course sauce

Cuisine Chinese

Servings Servings

Calories 60 kcal

Equipment

Medium saucepan

Ingredients

2 cloves garlic finely minced
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
1 teaspoon olive oil or other neutral cooking oil
⅓ cup water
½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
⅓ cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
¼ cup soy sauce

For the Cornstarch Slurry:

2 tablespoons cornstarch
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice optional, for extra tanginess
1 teaspoon sesame oil optional, for a nutty depth of flavor