Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of fresh plums, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup of white vinegar
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the chopped plums until smooth.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the plum puree, white vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until well combined.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
5. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
7. Transfer the sweet and sour plum sauce to a jar or container and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
Makes about 1 1/2 cups of sauce
Nutritional information:
Per serving (2 tablespoons):
Calories: 60
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 310mg
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Total Sugars: 13g
Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- White vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Cornstarch can be substituted with arrowroot powder or potato starch.
- Red pepper flakes can be substituted with cayenne pepper or chili powder.
Variations:
- Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty flavor.
- Use peaches or apricots instead of plums for a different flavor profile.
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey for extra sweetness.
- Use this sauce as a marinade for chicken or pork.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to whisk the cornstarch well to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Storage instructions:
Store the sweet and sour plum 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 constantly, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the sweet and sour plum sauce in a small bowl or ramekin alongside your favorite dish.
Garnishes:
Garnish the sauce with chopped scallions or cilantro for added flavor and color.
Pairings:
This sauce pairs well with chicken, pork, or tofu.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve this sauce with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, whisk in a little more cornstarch.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all equipment thoroughly before preparing this recipe. Store the sauce in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers that have been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
Sweet and sour sauce originated in China and has since become a popular condiment in many Asian cuisines.
Flavor profiles:
This sweet and sour plum sauce has a balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors with a hint of spiciness.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this sauce with your favorite Asian-inspired dish for a burst of flavor.
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