Orange Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This vibrant orange sauce is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that bring a refreshing lift to your favorite dishes. It’s easy to make and adds a delicious citrus twist to chicken, seafood, or stir-fries.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely diced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 orange, zested
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, white sugar, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, minced ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and cook over medium heat for 3 minutes.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved, forming a slurry.
3. Step 3: Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan and whisk to combine. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
4. Step 4: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the orange zest for a fresh burst of citrus flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoother sauce, strain out the ginger and garlic after cooking or blend the sauce for a silky texture.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat according to your preference.
• Use fresh-squeezed orange juice for the brightest flavor, or substitute with canned if needed.
• Add a splash of sesame oil at the end for a toasty note.

Storage

Store the cooled orange sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, whisk in a little water while reheating to restore consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use orange marmalade instead of fresh orange juice?

Using orange marmalade will add sweetness and texture but may alter the balance of flavors. If you use marmalade, reduce the sugar slightly and adjust the liquid by adding some water to maintain the right consistency.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

This sauce can be gluten-free if you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative instead of regular soy sauce, which often contains wheat.

Orange Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 96 reviews

A tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy homemade orange sauce that’s perfect for glazing meats, drizzling over stir-fries, or using as a flavorful dipping sauce. Made with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, this sauce is thickened to a perfect consistency with cornstarch slurry.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: About 1 cup 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Orange Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely diced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 orange, zested
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the orange juice, white sugar, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, minced ginger, finely diced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture well to integrate all ingredients.
2. Cook the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture for 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sugar to dissolve.
3. Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until fully dissolved, creating a smooth slurry.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan while whisking continuously. Continue cooking the sauce for about 5 minutes or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Finish and Serve: Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the freshly grated orange zest to infuse the sauce with a bright citrus aroma. Use immediately or let cool for later use.

Notes

• For a spicier sauce, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a little more orange juice or water.
• Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor.
• This sauce pairs well with chicken, pork, or tofu dishes.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: orange sauce, homemade orange sauce, sweet sauce, tangy sauce, stir-fry sauce, orange glaze, easy sauce recipe