Homemade Lechon Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240ml) vinegar 1 cup (240ml) vinegar
• 1 cup (240ml) soy sauce 1 cup (240ml) soy sauce
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
• 1 head garlic, minced 1 head garlic, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon oil 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional) 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 25g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, ground black pepper, salt, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
3. 3.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   Add the dissolved cornstarch and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. 5.
   Optional: If you prefer a spicy kick, add hot sauce to taste.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaf and let the sauce cool before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Vinegar — Use cane vinegar or white vinegar for an authentic taste.
• Soy sauce — Opt for a low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty sauce.
• Brown sugar — Adjust the amount of sugar according to your desired sweetness level.
• Garlic — Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
• Hot sauce — Add hot sauce gradually to achieve the desired level of spiciness.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoother sauce, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.
• Adjust the sweetness and tanginess by adding more sugar or vinegar, respectively.
• Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Use the Lechon Sauce as a dipping sauce for roasted meats, or drizzle it over rice or noodles for added flavor.
• Experiment with different spices like star anise or cinnamon to add a unique twist to the sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Lechon Sauce warm or at room temperature alongside roasted pork or other grilled meats. It can also be used as a condiment for fried dishes or as a flavor enhancer for rice and noodles.

Presentation advice

Transfer the Lechon Sauce to a small serving bowl or sauceboat. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped spring onions or a few slices of red chili for an attractive presentation.