What is duck sauce and what ingredients are in it?

Duck sauce is a sweet and sour condiment commonly served in Chinese-American restaurants alongside fried and grilled dishes. It has a smooth, jelly-like texture and a bright orange color. The main ingredients typically include plums, apricots, peaches, sugar, vinegar, and salt. This blend creates a flavorful balance of sweetness and tanginess that complements savory foods like egg rolls and fried chicken.

Why is it called duck sauce if it’s served with other foods?

The name "duck sauce" likely originated because this sauce was traditionally served with roast duck dishes or deep-fried duck preparations. Over time, it became popular as a dipping sauce for a variety of fried appetizers and barbecued items beyond duck. Despite the name, it pairs well with many dishes, not just duck.

Is duck sauce the same as plum sauce or sweet and sour sauce?

Duck sauce is similar to plum sauce but is not exactly the same. Plum sauce is often thicker with a more pronounced plum flavor, while duck sauce tends to be lighter and sweeter. Sweet and sour sauce typically has a more vinegary and tangy profile. Each sauce has distinct uses, but duck sauce is mainly used as a dipping sauce for fried foods.

What foods go best with duck sauce?

Duck sauce pairs best with fried and barbecued dishes such as egg rolls, crab rangoon, fried wontons, and fried chicken. It also enhances steamed or grilled items like pork buns and sticky rice. The sauce’s sweet and tangy flavor balances the savory and crispy textures of these foods, making it a versatile accompaniment.

Can I make duck sauce at home, and how do I store it?

Yes, duck sauce can be made easily at home using ingredients like fresh or dried plums, apricot preserves, sugar, vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Blending and simmering these creates a fresh, flavorful sauce free of preservatives. Store homemade duck sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to two weeks. This homemade version often tastes better than store-bought options.

Duck Sauce Recipe With Simple Ingredients You Can Make Today

Name: Duck Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: – 2 teaspoons sugar; – 1 ½ tablespoons hot water; – 3 tablespoons apricot preserves; – 1 pickled plum; – ½ teaspoon liquid from pickled plum jar; – 1/8 teaspoon soy sauce; – 1/4 teaspoon rice vinegar

Ingredients

– 2 teaspoons sugar

– 1 ½ tablespoons hot water

– 3 tablespoons apricot preserves

– 1 pickled plum

– ½ teaspoon liquid from pickled plum jar

– 1/8 teaspoon soy sauce

– 1/4 teaspoon rice vinegar

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Instructions

1-First, in a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the hot water to create a sweet base.

2-Next, add the apricot preserves and mix well to blend the sweetness.

3-Remove the pit from the pickled plum and incorporate the soft fruit into the bowl for added depth.

4-Then, mix in the ½ teaspoon liquid from the pickled plum jar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to balance the tastes.

5-Use a fork to combine everything thoroughly until smooth, and let it sit for 5 minutes before stirring again.

Notes

🍯 Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar or apricot preserves to taste.
🍋 Increase rice vinegar for a tarter flavor.
💧 Dilute with extra hot water to achieve a thinner sauce.
🥫 Store in the refrigerator for several months for convenient use.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Category: Sauce
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Asian
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 53
Sugar: 9 grams
Sodium: 42 milligrams
Fat: 1 gram
Saturated Fat: 1 gram
Carbohydrates: 14 grams
Protein: 1 gram
Cholesterol: 0 milligrams