How To Make Chinese Plum Sauce - Marion's Kitchen

plums

🥗Healthier: apricots

💰Cheaper: peaches

Apricots provide a similar sweetness and texture.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey adds a unique flavor while being a natural sweetener.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: tamari

💰Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free and offers a similar umami flavor.

vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can add a fruity note.

Cut the plums over a saucepan to catch the juice.

Optionally peel the plums for a refined sauce.

Soak prunes in hot water for 10 minutes, then add them and the water to the saucepan with the plums.

Add sugar and apple cider vinegar to the saucepan.

Roughly peel ginger and slice it, then add to the saucepan.

Add garlic for flavor, but do not overdo it.

Add star anise and a cinnamon stick to the saucepan, noting how many pieces are added for later removal.

Add a dash of homemade Chinese five-spice to the mixture.

Simmer the mixture until the plums are soft, about 10 minutes.

Remove the garlic, ginger, cinnamon stick, and star anise from the saucepan.

Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.

Return the blended sauce to a clean saucepan and taste for salt, adding salt as needed.

If the sauce is too thin, add potato starch dissolved in water to thicken it, but adjust based on the sauce's consistency.

Simmer for a couple of minutes until thickened.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary