Who doesn’t love a juicy and flavorful ham for dinner? And what better way to enhance its flavor than with a sweet and tangy orange sauce that’s both easy and quick to make? In this recipe, we’ll show you how to create a mouthwatering sauce that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and water until smooth. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and whisk until well combined. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 70
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 280mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 16g
Protein: 0g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Equipment:
- Small bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
Serving Suggestions:
This orange sauce is perfect for ham, but it’s also great on chicken, pork, or even as a dipping sauce for egg rolls or spring rolls. Serve it warm or at room temperature.
Variations:
To make this sauce spicier, add more red pepper flakes. You can also add other spices like cumin or coriander for a different flavor profile.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar instead. You can also substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
Storage:
This orange sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat before serving.
Tips:
- For a smoother sauce, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.
- Make sure to whisk the cornstarch mixture well before adding it to the saucepan to prevent lumps.
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less brown sugar or rice vinegar.
Notes:
This recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups of sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of store-bought?
Yes, you can use freshly squeezed orange juice for this recipe. Just make sure to strain it to remove any pulp or seeds.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Reheat before serving.
Can I freeze this sauce?
We do not recommend freezing this sauce as it may change its texture and flavor.
Personal Thoughts:
This orange sauce for ham is one of my go-to recipes whenever I want to add some extra flavor to my ham dinners. It’s so easy and quick to make, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. I love how versatile it is, and how it can be used on different meats or as a dipping sauce for appetizers. I encourage everyone to try this recipe out for themselves and see how delicious it is!