The Easiest Plum Sauce You’ll Ever Make

I’ll never forget the first time I tasted plum sauce. It was at a bustling night market in Hong Kong, the air thick with the smell of spices and sizzling meats. A street vendor drizzled the glistening, deep purple sauce over a crispy Peking duck roll, and that first bite was an explosion of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. From that moment on, I was hooked, and I’ve been experimenting with my own versions of this delicious condiment ever since. This recipe is the culmination of years of tweaking, simplifying, and perfecting – a plum sauce that’s incredibly easy to make, yet bursting with authentic Asian-inspired flavors.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yields: 3 cups
• Dietary Type: Vegan, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 2 (30 ounce) cans purple plums, drained and pitted
• 1/3 cup sugar (can use less)
• 3 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate
• 4-5 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 1/4 tablespoons cold water

Equipment Needed

• Blender or Food Processor
• Saucepan
• Whisk or Spoon

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the plums. If you’re using canned plums as the recipe indicates (which makes this incredibly easy!), be sure to drain them well and remove the pits if they aren’t already.
2. Next, using a blender or food processor, place the pitted plums inside. Cover the appliance and process until the plums are completely smooth, creating a beautiful plum puree.
3. Now, transfer the plum puree carefully to a saucepan. Use a rubber spatula to scrape every last bit of that delicious puree out.
4. Add the remaining ingredients to the saucepan with the plum puree. This includes the sugar (start with 1/3 cup, and adjust to taste later), frozen orange juice concentrate, lemon juice, cider vinegar, salt, ginger powder, cayenne pepper, and curry powder.
5. Stir all the ingredients together in the saucepan until they are well combined.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
7. While the plum mixture is heating up, prepare the cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and cold water. Whisk together until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth with no lumps.
8. Once the plum mixture is boiling, pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
9. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more sugar. For a tangier sauce, add a squeeze of lemon juice.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Adjust the Sweetness: The amount of sugar can be adjusted depending on the sweetness of the plums and your personal preference. Start with less and add more to taste.
• Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level. For a milder sauce, reduce or omit the cayenne altogether.
• Fresh Ginger: For a more vibrant ginger flavor, use freshly grated ginger instead of ginger powder. Use about 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger for the recipe.
• Thickening Troubles: If your sauce doesn’t thicken enough, mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the sauce, stirring constantly until thickened. Be careful not to add too much cornstarch, or the sauce will become gummy.
• Smooth Sauce: If you prefer an extra smooth sauce, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking to remove any remaining solids.
• Make Ahead: This plum sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will meld and deepen over time.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Easy Plum Sauce is incredibly versatile! It’s fantastic served as a dipping sauce for egg rolls, spring rolls, and wonton. It pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted pork, chicken, and duck. You can also use it as a glaze for meats or vegetables.

For storage, allow the plum sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using. To reheat, simply warm the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	385.1 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	1.7 g	2%
Saturated Fat	0.1 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	388.8 mg	16%
Total Carbohydrate	96.1 g	32%
Dietary Fiber	8.3 g	33%
Sugars	85 g	340%
Protein	4.5 g	8%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicier Plum Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Smoked Plum Sauce: Incorporate a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor profile.
• Herbal Plum Sauce: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or mint after cooking for a fresh, vibrant twist.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: If you don’t have cider vinegar, you can substitute with white vinegar, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• Maple Syrup: Replace sugar with maple syrup. Start with the same amount of maple syrup as sugar called for, and adjust to your liking.
• Low Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol to reduce the sugar content. Be sure to adjust the amount according to the package directions.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh plums instead of canned?

A: Yes, you can! You’ll need about 3 pounds of fresh plums. Pit and chop them before cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the plums are soft and broken down.

Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?

A: If your sauce is too thin, mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the sauce, stirring constantly until thickened.

Q: Can I use this as a marinade?

A: Absolutely! This plum sauce makes a delicious marinade for chicken, pork, or tofu. Marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Q: How long does plum sauce last?

A: When stored properly in the refrigerator, it will last up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: What can I serve with plum sauce?

A: Plum sauce is traditionally served with Asian dishes like egg rolls, spring rolls, and roast duck. However, it also pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and even cheese and crackers.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Plum Sauce recipe is a testament to the fact that you don’t need complicated techniques or obscure ingredients to create incredible flavors. Whether you’re dipping spring rolls, glazing a roast chicken, or simply looking to add a touch of Asian-inspired sweetness to your meal, this versatile sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and prepare to be amazed by the ease and deliciousness of homemade plum sauce! Don’t hesitate to share your feedback and any creative variations you come up with – I can’t wait to hear how you make this recipe your own!