Japanese Chinese Style Citrus Sauce

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we infuse the French sauce bigarade with Japanese and Chinese flavors to create a unique fusion. We replace the traditional red wine with soy sauce for an umami kick, and add ginger to enhance the Asian influence. These modifications result in a sauce that is more suited to the taste preferences and ingredients commonly found in Japanese Chinese cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Sauce bigarade, so you can check it out.

• 2 bitter oranges, juiced (240ml / 1 cup) 2 bitter oranges, juiced (240ml / 1 cup)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 80 kcal / 335 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 18g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small saucepan, combine the bitter orange juice, soy sauce, grated ginger, and honey.
2. 2.
   Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
4. 4.
   Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously.
5. 5.
   Continue to cook the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
6. 6.
   Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bitter oranges — If bitter oranges are not available, you can substitute with a combination of regular oranges and lemons to achieve a similar flavor profile.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste preferences.
• This sauce pairs well with grilled meats, stir-fried vegetables, and sushi rolls.
• Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Experiment with different citrus fruits, such as yuzu or mandarin, to create unique variations of this sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Japanese Chinese Style Citrus Sauce warm or at room temperature. Drizzle it over grilled chicken or fish, use it as a dipping sauce for dumplings or spring rolls, or toss it with a fresh salad for a burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few slices of fresh orange to enhance the visual appeal of the sauce. Serve it in a small dipping bowl or drizzle it artistically over the main dish.