Chinese-Style Orange Chicken Sauce Recipe
This easy homemade Chinese-style orange sauce recipe is sweet, tangy, and savory with just a touch of heat. It’s the perfect finishing touch for crispy chicken, stir-fried veggies, or anything that needs a bold pop of flavor.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup orange juice (fresh if possible)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 minced garlic clove
- Optional: red pepper flakes (adjust to taste, start with ⅛ teaspoon to ¼ and add more if desired)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, vinegar, maple syrup, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a simmer. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened, about 1–2 minutes.
- Add water or orange juice if the sauce become too thick.
Kori's Tips
Check out my post above for more helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes.
VARIATIONS: For a vegan version, use maple syrup in place of honey. You can increase the garlic or ginger if you like a more pungent flavor, or swap the tamari with soy sauce or coconut aminos depending on your dietary needs. A splash of toasted sesame oil stirred in at the end adds a deeper, nutty richness.
TOP TIPS: Whisk the cornstarch with cold water before adding to the sauce to avoid lumps, and simmer gently while stirring to prevent scorching. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey or maple syrup, and control the heat by starting with a small pinch of red pepper flakes and adding more to taste.
WAYS TO USE IT: Toss this sauce with crispy cooked chicken, cauliflower florets, or tofu for a homemade take on orange chicken. It’s also delicious drizzled over rice bowls, stir-fried vegetables, or as a glaze for grilled meats and seafood. Try it as a dipping sauce for egg rolls, spring rolls, or potstickers.
Nutrition
Calories: 68kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.03gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.02gSodium: 504mgPotassium: 122mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 93IUVitamin C: 24mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 0.4mg
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