Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of fresh plums, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of grated ginger
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of water
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor
- Medium saucepan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped plums, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the plums are soft and the sauce has thickened.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
5. Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
6. Pour the sauce back into the saucepan and bring it to a boil again.
7. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool completely.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for boiling
- Low heat for simmering
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 1/2 cups of sauce
- Serving size: 2 tablespoons
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 60
- Total fat: 0g
- Saturated fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use white sugar instead of brown sugar.
- You can use apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar.
- You can use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- You can use ground ginger instead of grated ginger.
- You can use 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper instead of red pepper flakes.
Variations:
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey for a sweeter sauce.
- Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water to thicken the sauce.
- Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty flavor.
- Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to stir the sauce occasionally while it's simmering to prevent it from burning.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
- You can use frozen plums instead of fresh ones.
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Storage instructions:
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the sauce in a small bowl or ramekin.
- Drizzle the sauce over grilled chicken, pork, or tofu.
- Use the sauce as a dipping sauce for egg rolls or spring rolls.
Garnishes:
- Garnish the sauce with chopped green onions or cilantro.
Pairings:
- Serve the sauce with steamed rice or noodles.
- Pair the sauce with grilled vegetables or stir-fried vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Grilled vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of water to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water to thicken it.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all the utensils and equipment before preparing the sauce.
- Store the sauce in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers that have been sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
- Plum sauce is a popular condiment in Chinese cuisine, often served with roasted meats or as a dipping sauce for dim sum.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, sour, salty, spicy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the sauce warm or at room temperature.
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