A good sauce can elevate the simplest of dishes – be it roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or just a plain roll. At least that’s the case with the savoury sugar plum sauce. Made from fresh plums, basic spices, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce, this is a Chinese speciality. Try this the next time you dish out your favourite appetisers or grill chicken for dinner.
Chop the fresh plums, dice the onions, and mince the garlic. Also, measure out all other ingredients or keep them ready to use.
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Make the base
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Then add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the chopped plums, salt, and spices (ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper). Cook for 2 minutes, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
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Add liquids and sugar
Add brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar to the sauce base. Give everything a good stir, ensuring the sugar dissolves.
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Simmer the sauce
Bring the sauce mix to a gentle boil and then reduce to low heat. Keep the pan uncovered but let it simmer. Stir occasionally until the plums break down and the sauce thickens to a chutney-like consistency.
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Blend and reduce
Use an immersion blender and blend the sauce for a minute or two to achieve a smooth, sauce-like consistency. Now, simmer again for 5–10 minutes to thicken the sauce. Taste and adjust salt/pepper, if required. Turn off the heat.
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Cool and store
Let the sauce cool completely before storing it in airtight jars in the fridge (for up to 2 weeks). You can use it as a dipping sauce for rolls, or to drizzle over grilled meats and even salad.