Plum sauce is a sweet and sour sauce that’s often used as a dip for spring rolls, crispy noodles, egg rolls, or drizzled on top of your favorite dishes. With only 5 simple ingredients, it takes just a few minutes to put this tangy sauce together.

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What Is Plum Sauce?

It is a bright orange sauce with a sweet and sour flavor. It’s usually served at American Chinese restaurants, along with soy sauce. It’s traditionally made using plums, apricots, pineapples or peaches, which gives it a sweet taste. Vinegar, chili sauce and soy sauce help to make this sauce complex and flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

plum jam
sweet chili sauce
rice vinegar
soy sauce
garlic powder

(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)

How to Make Plum Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, add plum jam, 1 tablespoon of sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth.
Place a strainer over another bowl and pour the mixture onto the strainer.
Press the mixture through the strainer using a spoon.
Add the rest of sweet chili sauce to the mixture until combined.
Taste and adjust the ingredients according to your preference.
Use it as a dipping sauce, serve and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

You can customize the sweetness and the spicy level of this sauce: One of the advantages of making your own plum sauce is your ability to customize it. You can make it as sweet and as spicy as you like. Play around with the ingredients to find the right ratio for you.
Strain the mixture through a strainer for a smooth texture: To get a smooth sauce, it’s best to use a sieve. This is especially true if you used minced garlic instead of garlic powder.
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator: Plum sauce needs to be refrigerated. It’s best to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.

What Does Plum Sauce Taste Like?

This sauce is sweet, with a fruity undertone. It’s also slightly tangy with umami flavor, thanks to the addition of soy sauce. It is only mildly spicy, but some people like to add more hot sauce for a fiery kick.

Ways To Use Plum Sauce

This sauce is the perfect dip for many snacks like egg rolls and wontons. You can also use it as a dip for chicken wings, pork chops, shrimp, or other seafood. This sauce is also great as a sweet and spicy glaze.

How Long Does Plum Sauce Last?

Your homemade sauce has a shelf life of about three weeks. Be sure to store it in the fridge in an airtight container.

What Is The Difference Between Duck Sauce And Plum Sauce?

These two sauces use similar ingredients and are often interchangeable.

Where Can I Buy Plum Sauce?

If you prefer to purchase readymade sauce, check the Asian cuisine aisle of your grocery store. It is also sold at popular online retailers such as Walmart and Amazon.

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Easy Plum Sauce Recipe

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings

Ingredients

1 cup plum jam
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, add plum jam, 1 tablespoon of sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth.
Place a strainer over another bowl and pour the mixture onto the strainer.
Press the mixture through the strainer using a spoon.
Add the rest of sweet chili sauce to the mixture until combined.
Taste and adjust the ingredients according to your preference.
Use it as a dipping sauce, serve and enjoy!

Notes

You can add extra sweet chili sauce if you prefer a spicier sauce.
Store the homemade duck sauce in an airtight container and it’ll last 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.