Tropical Citrus Szechuan Sauce
Experience the vibrant flavors of this Tropical Citrus Szechuan Sauce, inspired by the beloved dish from The Grit Vegetarian Restaurant. This sweet yet spicy sauce beautifully marries the zestiness of fresh orange juice and pineapple juice with the umami depth of soy sauce and brown sugar. Enhanced with a touch of lemon, ginger, and spicy chili sauce, this versatile sauce is perfect over sautéed tofu, colorful vegetables, and thick canton noodles. Enjoy a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes that will elevate any meal!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
orange juice
2 1/2 cups (preferably fresh-squeezed)
pineapple juice
1 cup
soy sauce
3/4 cup
brown sugar
1/4 cup
lemon juice
3 tablespoons (squeezed)
hot chili sauce
2 tablespoons (or more for extra spice)
molasses
2 tablespoons
rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons
ginger powder
1 1/2 teaspoons
cornstarch
3 tablespoons
water
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine fresh orange juice, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, squeezed lemon juice, hot chili sauce, molasses, rice wine vinegar, and ginger powder.
2
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and stir occasionally, allowing the mixture to heat until it begins to simmer.
3
In a small bowl, blend cornstarch into the water until smooth, then whisk this mixture into the simmering sauce.
4
Continue to cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it reaches a full boil, maintaining the boil for at least one minute or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before drizzling it generously over sautéed vegetables, protein of your choice, and thick canton noodles.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Citrus Szechuan Sauce?
It is a sweet and spicy sauce inspired by the dish from The Grit Vegetarian Restaurant, featuring orange and pineapple juices mixed with soy sauce and spices.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed as a vegetarian sauce and pairs well with tofu and vegetables.
What are the primary citrus ingredients?
The sauce uses 2 1/2 cups of fresh-squeezed orange juice, 1 cup of pineapple juice, and 3 tablespoons of squeezed lemon juice.
How much soy sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of soy sauce to provide an umami depth.
What makes the sauce spicy?
The spice comes from 2 tablespoons of hot chili sauce and 1 1/2 teaspoons of ginger powder.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can add more hot chili sauce if you prefer extra spice.
What type of sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of brown sugar for sweetness.
What thickens the Tropical Citrus Szechuan Sauce?
A slurry made of 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and 1/2 cup of water is used as a thickening agent.
How long should the sauce boil?
Once the cornstarch mixture is added, the sauce should be maintained at a full boil for at least one minute to thicken.
What kind of noodles are recommended for this sauce?
Thick canton noodles are the recommended pairing for this sauce.
Does the recipe include vinegar?
Yes, it includes 2 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar.
What is the purpose of molasses in the sauce?
Molasses adds a rich depth of flavor and contributes to the sweet and tangy profile.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is to combine the juices, soy sauce, sugar, lemon juice, chili sauce, molasses, vinegar, and ginger in a medium saucepan.
At what heat should the sauce be cooked?
The sauce should be cooked over medium-high heat until it begins to simmer.
How do I prepare the cornstarch?
In a small bowl, blend the cornstarch into water until it is completely smooth before adding it to the saucepan.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
While the recipe suggests fresh-squeezed orange juice for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used as a substitute.
What protein pairs best with this sauce?
Sautéed tofu is highly recommended, though you can use any protein of your choice.
Is this sauce healthy?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as healthy and uses fresh fruit juices and ginger.
What is the flavor profile of the sauce?
It offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes with a citrus zest.
Does the recipe use fresh or powdered ginger?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of ginger powder.
Can I use this as a stir-fry sauce?
Yes, it is ideal for stir-frying colorful vegetables and noodles.
Is this an authentic Szechuan recipe?
This is a 'Tropical Citrus' variation of Szechuan sauce, inspired by a specific restaurant dish rather than a traditional recipe.
Should the sauce be served hot or cold?
The sauce should be allowed to cool slightly after boiling before being drizzled over your dish.
What is the role of the rice wine vinegar?
The rice wine vinegar provides a mild acidity that balances the sweet fruit juices.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and involves simple simmering and thickening steps.
What vegetables go well with this?
Any colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas work well with this sauce.
Is there a serving size specified?
The recipe details do not specify a serving size, but it makes a generous amount of sauce using over 3 cups of liquid.
Can I use this as a dipping sauce?
Yes, its thick consistency and sweet-spicy flavor make it an excellent dipping sauce for appetizers.