HOW TO MAKE CHINESE DUCK SAUCE
This homemade Chinese duck sauce recipe is one of the easiest condiments you can throw together.
And by throwing together, I mean it literally takes around 5 minutes to make.
So why would you want to make homemade duck sauce instead of buying it from the grocery store? The main reason is that the store-bought version contains food coloring, high fructose corn syrup, and preservatives.
The only way to achieve the same-looking, hyper-orange-colored stuff from the little packets of duck sauce from Chinese restaurants is to use artificial ingredients. I don't know about you, but it's not for me.
What Ingredients Are In Homemade Duck Sauce?
The common ingredients for orange duck sauce are apricot preserves or apricot jam, rice vinegar, salt, and sugar. I do like to add a little soy sauce for an umami kick. You can alter the flavors as you see fit, but less is more if you want to stay close to the real thing.
Common Misconceptions
The most common misconception is that orange sauce and sweet chili sauce are the same as orange duck sauce. Although they look similar in color, their flavors are quite different. However, orange sauce is considered to be closely related, as the ingredients are almost identical.
The main flavor profile of orange sauce is oranges. So, if you want to make something similar, you could swap out the apricots for orange marmalade or preserves.
Sweet chili sauce contains chilies, which authentic duck sauce does not. It often also contains garlic. To achieve its thicker texture, it is usually stabilized with xanthan gum.
How to Make Your Own Duck Sauce
Combine the water and vinegar in a bowl and gently warm. Add the sugar and stir until it has completely dissolved. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until everything is combined.
For best results, refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors fully develop. Check for seasoning and adjust as needed.
Recipe Variations
Jams and Preserves: You could replace the apricots with orange, pineapple, or peach jam. You could even swap out the water and sugar listed for apple juice or apple sauce. Or get creative and create your own blend.
Make it Savory: Want a sauce with a little less pronounced sugar? Although technically not authentic, try adding a touch more soy sauce, minced ginger, toasted sesame seed oil, fresh garlic, or garlic powder.
Try a Different Vinegar: Instead of rice vinegar, try plum vinegar. White vinegar can also be used, but the flavors can sometimes be harsh, depending on the brand.
What to Eat with Duck Sauce?
Fried Foods: Egg rolls, crab rangoon, spring rolls and wonton chips.
Roasted and Grilled Meats: Roast duck, chicken wings, and pork ribs. You can also create your own barbecue sauce by mixing it with a little hot mustard.
Looking for more recipes? These are a few of my favorites:
Lastly, if you try this easy Chinese duck sauce recipe, leave a comment or tag me on Instagram! I thoroughly enjoy hearing feedback and checking out the photos of recipes that you've made.
RECIPE
HOW TO MAKE CHINESE DUCK SAUCE
Yield: 3/4 cup
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Author: Larry White
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup apricot preserves
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce (naturally brewed)
1/4 teaspoon salt, more if needed
3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or plum vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
Add the water and vinegar to a medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat long enough to warm through. Around 20 seconds.
Immediately add the sugar and stir until it is dissolved.
Add the remaining ingredients and stir until they are well combined.
Letting the sauce rest in the refrigerator will help the flavors mature and become more pronounced.
Store in the refrigerator tightly covered for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Sugar Content: The sugar content of fruit preserves and jams fluctuates from brand to brand. Add or reduce ingredients to your taste buds. Adjusting the sugar, vinegar and water will fix this.
Consistency: For a thinner and smoother sauce, try adding a little water and pureeing in your blender.
Sauce Making Tips: Cold food needs more seasoning. After refrigerating your sauce, you may find that it needs more salt. Season it while it's still cold for a more accurate flavor profile.
I like this dipping sauce more on the savory side.
I like to add extra salt and vinegar to make the flavors pop just a little more. To brighten things up, add a little fresh orange zest just before serving.
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