Discover the zesty magic of homemade Orange Sauce, a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and orange flavors. Ideal for stir-fries and the star in Orange Chicken, it also wonderfully enhances veggies, shrimp, salmon, and tofu. Elevate your meals with this versatile, flavor-packed sauce.
Start by heating sesame oil in a pan on medium heat. Add ginger and garlic, sautéing until they release their aroma.
Toss in the chopped orange peels, and continue to sauté until they're fragrant.
Now, add in the chili flakes, chili sauce, both dark and all-purpose soy sauces, and black pepper powder. Stir everything well.
Next, pour in the brown sugar, orange juice, rice vinegar, and your choice of broth (vegetable or chicken), along with a pinch of salt. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
Let the sauce come to a gentle boil, and then simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Finally, whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Keep cooking over low heat until the sauce thickens and takes on a glossy appearance. And there you have it, your delicious Orange Sauce is ready to be enjoyed!
To Serve
This versatile Orange Sauce is perfect for creating mouth-watering Orange Chicken or duck dishes. It also serves as an excellent dipping sauce for your favorite chicken recipes, adding a zesty, flavorful twist to each bite.
Notes
Tips for Perfecting Your Orange Sauce:
Enhance the Orange Flavor: To capture that signature citrusy tang, use both fresh orange peels or dried orange powder along with orange juice. This combination deepens the orange essence in your sauce.
Use Broth for Depth: While water is an option, opt for vegetable or chicken broth instead. It's a simple switch that elevates your sauce to a restaurant-quality level.
Achieving the Ideal Color: The recipe as is will give you a light brown-orange hue due to dark soy sauce. For a more vibrant orange color, consider omitting the dark soy sauce. Adding a pinch or two of ground turmeric can also enhance the sauce’s color, giving it a bright orange appeal.
Balance the Saltiness: Be mindful with salt. The combination of soy sauces and broth already brings saltiness to the sauce. Taste as you go to ensure the seasoning is just right.