Description
This Homemade Orange Chicken Sauce is a vibrant, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce perfect for enhancing crispy fried chicken. Made with freshly squeezed orange juice, tamari, garlic, and a hint of ginger, this sauce is quickly cooked on the stovetop to a luscious consistency, making it ideal for a quick and flavorful meal addition.
Ingredients
Scale
Orange Chicken Sauce
- ¾ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- ¼ cup tamari (or soy sauce)
- 3 Tbsp packed brown sugar (or honey)
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch (or tapioca starch)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- ½ tsp ginger paste (or finely minced fresh ginger)
- 2 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- ½ tsp salt (to taste)
- 1 tsp chili sauce (or Sriracha)
- Green Onions (thinly sliced, optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce Ingredients: Whisk together the orange juice, tamari, brown sugar, cornstarch, garlic, ginger paste, rice vinegar, orange zest, sesame oil, salt, and chili sauce in a medium-sized bowl until well combined.
- Heat the Sauce: Pour the mixture into a medium-sized saucepan and set it over high heat. Bring the sauce to a rolling boil while stirring occasionally.
- Simmer and Thicken: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly. The sauce should thicken and reduce by almost half, developing a glossy texture.
- Serve or Store: Use the orange sauce immediately by drizzling it over crispy fried chicken. Alternatively, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
- Adjust the level of sweetness by substituting brown sugar with honey.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the chili sauce or Sriracha according to taste.
- The sauce pairs best with crispy fried chicken but can also be used with tofu or vegetables for a vegetarian twist.
- Make sure to whisk constantly during simmering to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth sauce texture.
- Optional garnishes like thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds add extra flavor and visual appeal.
