Uses for Plum Sauce

The delectable richness of plums married with the sweetness of sugar and the tang of soy sauce and vinegar gives plum sauce that distinctive sweet and sour flavor that can enhance many dishes. Originating from China, this sauce can turn plain rice into a delicious treat. There are a host of recipes that benefit from the addition of plum sauce.

If you are thinking about dipping your crispy, fried pork tenderloin, marinating roast chicken or basting your slow-cooked ribs in plum sauce, you have the right idea. Plum sauce, in its more tangy versions can act as a fruity barbecue sauce to dress up grilled meats. Additionally, tossing breaded and fried meat, such as cubes of pork, shrimp or strips of chicken in a sweet plum sauce can provide a satisfying contrast to the richness of the meat, fowl or seafood.

Throw together sugar peas, sliced carrots, baby corn, water chestnuts, broccoli and cauliflower florets in a large wok with a dash of olive oil. Cook these vegetables on a medium-high heat and stir in several tablespoons of sweet plum sauce with a few sprinkles of red pepper flakes for some spice. Mix thoroughly and allow to marinate for several minutes over low heat , then serve over freshly steamed rice for an Asian-inspired vegetarian meal.

A spring roll made of shredded vegetables and sauteed shrimp bound together in a rice flour wrapper, deep fried tempura shrimp or crunchy, battered egg rolls make the perfect medium to dunk in plum sauce. Mix a small quantity of honey into your plum sauce for a sweeter version or add a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar to give it a contrasting sweet and sour taste. A pinch of cinnamon, clove, ground ginger and mustard furnish your sauce with more depth and complexity for the taste buds.

As a dynamic and versatile items, this sauce can put a new twist on classical desserts. A simple scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is dressed up with a drizzle of a spicy or sweet plum sauce. Dress a plain pudding up with the addition of a plum sauce mixed with a tablespoon or two of lemon or lime juice to lend a citrus flavor. Or, just cut up several in season fruits into bite-sized chunks, add plum sauce and mix to create an easy fruit salad.