China

Chinese Sauces

Sweet and Sour Sauce

Just your basic sauce recipe..

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened pineapple
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Here's another one... a bit unusual, but tastes delicious!

Sweet and Sour Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup bottled Major Grey's Chutney
• 1/4 cup apricot preserves
• 1/4 cup crushed pineapple
• 1/4 cup applesauce
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger -- minced
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Directions

Combine the ingredients for the sauce in a saucepan and heat just to blend, stirring often. Cool to room temperature and serve. Makes 1 1/4 cups.

Tofu Dip

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound bean curd
• 1/4 cup plum sauce
• 2 teaspoons prepared Chinese mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

Mash the bean curd, then mix with the other ingredients with a whisk or an electric mixer. the dip should have the consistency of sour cream. To prepare in a blender or food processor, combine the ingredients and process until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Stored in a sealed container, the dip can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. Makes 1 1/2 cups.

Jazzed Hoisin Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato catsup
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon black soy sauce

Directions

Combine the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Manchurian Sauce

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup vegetable stock
• 1/2 cup green onion -- thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger root -- minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic -- minced
• 1/2 teaspoon wasabi (or 1/2 tsp minced jalapeno pepper)

Directions

In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the ingredients and whisk until well blended. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

NOTES : If you are watching your sodium intake, substitute one of the low-sodium varieties of soy sauce, but keep in mind that these may still be quite high in salt.