Are you craving the vibrant, savory flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine? Look no further! This easy red Chinese sauce recipe is your ticket to delicious homemade meals, perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinner parties. Forget complicated takeout menus – mastering this versatile sauce unlocks a world of quick and healthy dinner ideas. This recipe is a staple in my kitchen, and I'm excited to share it with you! Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped (optional, for added sweetness and color)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- ½ cup tomato paste
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, ginger, and red bell pepper (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step is key to building a deep, layered flavor profile.
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Build the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
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Finishing Touches: Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the sesame oil and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – you might want to add more soy sauce for saltiness, brown sugar for sweetness, or red pepper flakes for heat.
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Serve and Enjoy! This versatile red Chinese sauce is amazing served over rice, noodles, chicken, pork, tofu, or vegetables. Get creative and experiment with different combinations!
Cooking Tips for Success:
- Don't rush the simmering: Allowing the sauce to simmer gently for 15 minutes develops a richer, more complex flavor.
- Adjust the spice level: Start with ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes and add more to taste, depending on your spice preference.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic offer a superior flavor compared to their powdered counterparts.
- Make it ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Delicious Variations:
- Sweet and Sour: Add 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar for a sweet and sour twist.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Garlic Lover's Delight: Add an extra 2-3 cloves of minced garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 6g
This red Chinese sauce is a delicious and easy way to elevate your homemade cooking. Its versatility makes it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more elaborate meal. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and creating your own signature dish!