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Easy Orange Sauce for Chicken, Tofu, and Stir-Fries Recipe

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3.9 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

A flavorful and tangy orange sauce perfect for enhancing dishes like orange chicken, tofu, or stir-fried vegetables. This sauce combines citrusy orange juice with sweet maple syrup and brown sugar, balanced by savory soy sauce and a hint of ginger and garlic. Thickened with cornstarch for a glossy finish, it’s quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop in just 17 minutes.

Ingredients

Liquid Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water (for cornstarch slurry)

Sweeteners

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar

Spices and Aromatics

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh minced ginger

Oils

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil (or other neutral oil)

Thickener

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Warm 1 teaspoon of olive oil or another neutral flavored oil in a saucepan over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to release their fragrances.
  3. Add liquids and sweeteners: Pour in 1/3 cup water, orange juice, brown sugar, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Heat the mixture for about 3 minutes while stirring often, allowing the flavors to meld.
  4. Prepare cornstarch slurry: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup water until smooth to create the slurry.
  5. Thicken the sauce: Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan while whisking continuously. Cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes as the sauce thickens into a glossy consistency.
  6. Serve: Use the orange sauce immediately over dishes like orange chicken, tofu, cauliflower, or as a flavorful topping for stir-fried vegetables.

Notes

  • Stir constantly when adding the cornstarch slurry to prevent lumps.
  • Adjust the sweetness or acidity by varying the amount of brown sugar or rice vinegar according to taste.
  • For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
  • The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stove before serving to maintain the sauce consistency.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/easy-orange-sauce-for-chicken-tofu-and-stir-fries-recipe/