Beyond Egg Rolls: Delicious and Unexpected Recipes Using Plum Sauce
Plum sauce, with its sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile, is often relegated to the role of a mere dipping sauce for egg rolls and spring rolls. However, this versatile condiment deserves so much more! Originating in China, plum sauce (also known as duck sauce in some regions) is a delightful blend of plums, vinegar, sugar, ginger, and spices, offering a complex and nuanced taste that can elevate a wide array of dishes. In this article, we’ll explore some delicious and unexpected ways to incorporate plum sauce into your cooking, moving beyond the typical appetizer pairings and showcasing its true potential.
What is Plum Sauce? A Closer Look
Before diving into recipes, let’s understand what makes plum sauce so special. Traditionally, plum sauce is made using Chinese plums (also known as Li hing mui), but other varieties of plums can be used as well. The plums are cooked down with sugar, vinegar (usually rice vinegar), ginger, garlic, chili peppers (for a touch of heat), and other spices like star anise and cloves. The mixture is then simmered until it thickens into a smooth, glossy sauce. The balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors is what makes plum sauce so addictive and adaptable.
There are many commercially available brands of plum sauce, but the quality can vary significantly. Some brands may be overly sweet or lack the depth of flavor found in homemade versions. If you’re serious about incorporating plum sauce into your cooking, consider making your own! It’s surprisingly easy, and you can customize the flavors to your liking.
Homemade Plum Sauce Recipe
This recipe allows you to tailor the sweetness and spice levels to your preference.
Ingredients:
* 1 pound ripe plums, pitted and chopped (about 4 cups)
* 1/2 cup rice vinegar
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
* 1/4 cup water
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
* 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste)
* 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder (optional)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)
Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped plums, rice vinegar, sugar, water, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, chili garlic sauce (or red pepper flakes), and five-spice powder (if using).
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for about 30-40 minutes, or until the plums are very soft and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Blend (Optional): For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture directly in the saucepan. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids!
4. Thicken: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Continue to simmer for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, chili garlic sauce (or red pepper flakes) for heat, or soy sauce for saltiness.
6. Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the plum sauce cool completely. As it cools, it will thicken further. Store the plum sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Beyond Dipping: Creative Ways to Use Plum Sauce
Now that you have a delicious batch of plum sauce, let’s explore some exciting ways to use it beyond the typical dipping scenario.
1. Glazed Meats and Poultry
Plum sauce makes an excellent glaze for meats and poultry. Its sweet and tangy flavor complements the richness of the protein, creating a delectable caramelized crust.
* Plum Glazed Chicken: Brush chicken pieces (wings, thighs, or breasts) with plum sauce during the last 15-20 minutes of grilling, baking, or stir-frying. The sauce will caramelize and create a beautiful, flavorful glaze. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of plum sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
* Plum Glazed Pork Tenderloin: A pork tenderloin glazed with plum sauce is a show-stopping dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides, then brush it with plum sauce and bake until cooked through. The plum sauce will create a sticky, sweet glaze that’s incredibly delicious. You can also add a touch of Dijon mustard to the plum sauce for a more complex flavor.
* Plum Glazed Duck: Plum sauce is a natural pairing for duck, echoing the traditional Peking duck preparation. Brush a roasted duck with plum sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking to create a glossy, flavorful skin. Serve with pancakes, scallions, and cucumbers for a classic Peking duck experience.
Recipe: Plum Glazed Chicken Wings
Ingredients:
* 2 pounds chicken wings
* 1/2 cup plum sauce
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Wings: In a large bowl, combine the plum sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and sesame oil. Add the chicken wings and toss to coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer (up to 4 hours).
2. Bake the Wings: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer on the baking sheet.
3. Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the wings are cooked through and the skin is crispy, flipping halfway through.
4. Broil (Optional): For extra crispy skin, broil the wings for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot.
2. Stir-Fries
Add a tablespoon or two of plum sauce to your favorite stir-fry for a burst of sweet and tangy flavor. It works particularly well with vegetables, tofu, and chicken.
* Vegetable Stir-Fry with Plum Sauce: Stir-fry your favorite vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas) with garlic and ginger. Then, add a tablespoon or two of plum sauce and toss to coat. Serve over rice or noodles.
* Tofu Stir-Fry with Plum Sauce: Pan-fry cubed tofu until golden brown and crispy. Then, stir-fry with vegetables and plum sauce. The plum sauce adds a delicious sweetness and tanginess to the tofu.
* Chicken Stir-Fry with Plum Sauce: Stir-fry chicken with vegetables and plum sauce for a quick and easy weeknight meal. You can also add other sauces, such as soy sauce and oyster sauce, to create a more complex flavor profile.
Recipe: Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Plum Sauce
Ingredients:
* 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
* 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
* 1/2 cup beef broth
* 1/4 cup plum sauce
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 1-2 minutes, until bright green. Drain and set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until browned. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Garlic and Ginger: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
5. Add the Broccoli and Sauce: Add the blanched broccoli to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth and plum sauce. Pour the sauce over the broccoli and stir to coat.
6. Return the Beef to the Wok: Return the cooked beef to the wok and stir to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Finish and Serve: Stir in the sesame oil. Serve over cooked rice.
3. Salad Dressings and Marinades
Plum sauce can add a unique twist to your salad dressings and marinades. Its sweet and tangy flavor complements leafy greens, grilled vegetables, and various types of protein.
* Plum Vinaigrette: Whisk together plum sauce, olive oil, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper for a vibrant and flavorful vinaigrette. This dressing is perfect for salads with mixed greens, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.
* Plum Marinade for Grilled Salmon: Marinate salmon fillets in a mixture of plum sauce, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil before grilling. The marinade will add a delicious sweetness and umami flavor to the salmon.
* Plum Glaze for Roasted Vegetables: Toss roasted vegetables (such as Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or carrots) with plum sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. The plum sauce will caramelize and create a sweet and sticky glaze.
Recipe: Plum Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
Ingredients:
* 1/4 cup plum sauce
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the plum sauce, olive oil, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more plum sauce for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or salt and pepper for flavor.
3. Store: Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake well before using.
4. Noodle Dishes
Plum sauce can be used to create flavorful and satisfying noodle dishes. It works well with both Asian-style noodles (such as ramen, udon, and soba) and Western-style pasta.
* Plum Noodles with Vegetables: Toss cooked noodles with stir-fried vegetables and plum sauce for a quick and easy vegetarian meal. You can also add tofu or tempeh for extra protein.
* Plum Peanut Noodles: Combine plum sauce with peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger for a delicious and creamy peanut noodle sauce. Toss with cooked noodles and garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro.
* Plum Pasta Salad: Add plum sauce to your favorite pasta salad for a unique and flavorful twist. It pairs well with pasta, grilled chicken, vegetables, and cheese.
Recipe: Cold Soba Noodles with Plum Sauce and Cucumber
Ingredients:
* 8 ounces soba noodles
* 1/4 cup plum sauce
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
* 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
* 2 green onions, thinly sliced
* Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles: Cook the soba noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the plum sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked soba noodles, sliced cucumber, and green onions to the bowl with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Garnish: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve cold.
5. Pizza Topping
For a truly unexpected and delicious twist, try using plum sauce as a base for your homemade pizza. It adds a unique sweetness and tanginess that complements a variety of toppings.
* Plum and Duck Pizza: Spread plum sauce on your pizza crust, then top with shredded roasted duck, scallions, and mozzarella cheese. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* Plum and Vegetable Pizza: Use plum sauce as the base for a vegetarian pizza with toppings like roasted vegetables, goat cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
* Plum and Prosciutto Pizza: Combine plum sauce with mozzarella cheese, prosciutto, and arugula for a savory and sweet pizza that’s sure to impress.
Recipe: Plum and Brie Pizza
Ingredients:
* 1 pre-made pizza crust (or homemade)
* 1/4 cup plum sauce
* 4 ounces brie cheese, sliced
* 1/4 cup caramelized onions
* Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Prepare the Pizza: Spread the plum sauce evenly over the pizza crust. Top with the sliced brie cheese and caramelized onions.
3. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and serve immediately.
Tips for Cooking with Plum Sauce
* Start Small: Plum sauce can be quite potent, so start with a small amount and add more to taste.
* Balance the Flavors: Plum sauce is sweet and tangy, so consider balancing it with savory or spicy ingredients.
* Adjust the Consistency: If your plum sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little water or broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it.
* Experiment with Different Spices: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices to customize the flavor of your plum sauce. Ginger, garlic, chili peppers, and five-spice powder are all great additions.
* Pair with Complementary Ingredients: Plum sauce pairs well with meats, poultry, vegetables, noodles, and rice. Consider these pairings when creating your recipes.
Conclusion
Plum sauce is a truly versatile ingredient that deserves a place in every kitchen. By moving beyond the typical dipping sauce application and exploring these creative recipes, you can unlock the full potential of this delicious condiment. From glazed meats and poultry to stir-fries, salads, noodle dishes, and even pizza, plum sauce can add a unique and flavorful twist to a wide range of dishes. So, grab a jar of plum sauce (or make your own!), and start experimenting in the kitchen today. You might be surprised at what you discover!