Chinese Duck Sauce

Chinese Duck Sauce is a sweet, tangy condiment often served alongside crispy fried appetizers like spring rolls, egg rolls, and Peking duck. Despite the name, it's not made from duck, but rather it is a flavorful dipping sauce that complements rich or savory dishes. Duck sauce is a staple in Chinese-American cuisine and is known for its fruity, slightly sour taste, typically made with ingredients like plums, apricots, or peaches.

History:

The origin of duck sauce is believed to come from Cantonese cuisine, where fruity sauces were used to cut through the richness of roasted meats. When Chinese immigrants brought their culinary traditions to the U.S. in the 19th and 20th centuries, the sauce evolved to suit American tastes. It became sweeter and thicker, often made with readily available fruits like plums and apricots. While in China, the sauce was used specifically for dishes like Peking duck, in Chinese-American cuisine it became a general-purpose dipping sauce for various fried foods.

Common Ingredients in Duck Sauce:

• Apricots or plums (or both, depending on the recipe)

• Vinegar (usually rice vinegar)

• Sugar

• Soy sauce

• Ginger

• Garlic

These ingredients create a balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, making it a perfect accompaniment to fried foods or meats.

Homemade Chinese Duck Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 cup apricot preserves or plum sauce

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tsp ginger, grated

• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, depending on desired sweetness)

• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional for a hint of heat)

• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the apricot preserves (or plum sauce), rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and water. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add sugar to taste.

2. Simmer: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently. Bring it to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

3. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more water until you reach your desired consistency. For a smoother sauce, you can blend it or strain it.

4. Cool and Serve: Let the sauce cool before serving. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Optional Variation:

For a more complex flavor, you can add a dash of hoisin sauce or five-spice powder to give the sauce a deeper, savory note.

Ways to Use Duck Sauce:

• Dipping Sauce: for fried appetizers like egg rolls, spring rolls, or fried wontons.

• Glaze: glaze for roasted or grilled meats like chicken, pork, or ribs. Brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet, sticky finish.

• Marinade: Combine duck sauce with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to make a marinade for meats like chicken or pork.

• Stir-Fry Sauce: Stir it into a vegetable or meat stir-fry to add a sweet and tangy flavor.

• Salad Dressing: Mix duck sauce with a little sesame oil and rice vinegar for a quick, flavorful salad dressing.