Chinese-Style Orange Sauce Recipe

Orange sauce recipe fans, this is the easy, healthy homemade orange sauce you've been dreaming of - bright, zesty, and so much better (and better for you) than takeout. This homemade orange sauce recipe comes together in minutes over medium heat, transforming chicken, veggies, and more into something totally crave-worthy.

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It's a must-make.

This orange sauce recipe is a must-make because it's packed with bright, immune-boosting vitamin C and no mystery ingredients:

• It's quick to make - you can have this sauce ready in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• It's incredibly versatile - this easy orange sauce pairs beautifully with chicken, veggies, rice bowls, and more.
• It's bursting with bold flavor - fresh orange juice and grated orange zest create a bright, sweet, and tangy taste you'll love.
• It's healthier than takeout - you control the ingredients, so it's free from mystery additives and loaded with fresh orange flavor.

Let's talk texture and flavor.

This easy orange sauce boasts a gorgeous, glossy finish and a silky smooth texture that clings beautifully to every piece of chicken or vegetable. You'll taste that bold, sweet citrus punch from the cup of orange juice and orange zest first, followed by the savory depth of soy sauce and a subtle zip from the fresh ginger and garlic. There's a whisper of heat that sneaks in thanks to the red pepper flakes, making each bite exciting and crave-worthy.

What you'll need.

Here's what you're going to need to make this orange sauce recipe:

• Orange juice: use fresh if possible for that bright citrus backbone to the recipe.
• Cornstarch: to help thicken the sauce quickly and easily.
• Tamari: or soy sauce, to bring the perfect salty balance. Use tamari if you want to make this gluten-free.
• Honey: or maple syrup adds natural sweetness instead of refined sugar.
• Rice vinegar: the essential tang you need in any asian sauce.
• Orange zest: intensifies the orange flavor beautifully ( and necessary) if you ask me!
• Water: used to adjust the thickness accordingly.
• Garlic: fresh minced garlic is best for the most flavor payoff.
• Ginger: fresh grated ginger is also best in the sauce.
• Optional: red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Customize it your way.

This homemade orange sauce recipe is super flexible and can be tailored to your taste:

• A splash of toasted sesame oil for extra nutty richness and depth.
• Add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce to create a sweet, umami-packed layer.
• A drizzle of sriracha or chili garlic sauce can be added to turn up the heat and create a spicy orange sauce variation.
• Coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a lower-sodium, slightly sweeter alternative.
• Ground white pepper for a subtle, peppery heat that's classic in Chinese sauces.
• A sprinkle of Chinese five-spice powder adds warmth and a hint of licorice-like sweetness.

Flexible dietary swaps.

This orange sauce recipe is super flexible - here's how you can easily adjust it to fit your dietary preferences:

• Vegan option - use maple syrup instead of honey for a fully plant-based sauce.
• Gluten-free option - swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free.
• Lower sodium - choose low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to reduce overall salt content.
• Lower sugar - use less honey or maple syrup, or swap in a little brown sugar substitute, and adjust to taste.

How to make this recipe for orange chicken sauce.

This homemade orange sauce recipe comes together quickly and is incredibly satisfying:

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Combine

Bring all the ingredients to a simmer in a saucepan.

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Use

Once thickened use on chicken or veggies.

How to use it.

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This orange sauce recipe is incredibly versatile and perfect for so many dishes,try:

• Tossing it with crispy chicken pieces for homemade orange chicken or what about this orange cauliflower recipe in you want a delicious meatless version?
• Pouring over a rice bowl with steamed veggies for a sweet and savory dinner.
• Used as a glaze on grilled meats or seafood for a bright citrus finish.
• Served as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, egg rolls, or potstickers.
• Mixed into a stir-fry with veggies and your favorite protein for a quick weeknight meal.
• Spoon over seared pork chops for an unexpected sweet-savory twist.
• Swirled into a wrap or sandwich to add a zippy, juicy layer of flavor.

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