The 9 Best Plum Sauce Substitutes
Plum sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as a dipping sauce, basting sauce, stir-fry sauce, or served with rice or noodles. However, if you find yourself without plum sauce or its ingredients, there are several substitutes that can provide a similar flavor profile. Here are the 9 best plum sauce substitutes:
1. Garlic Teriyaki Sauce
Garlic teriyaki sauce, which originated in Japan, is a flavorful substitute for plum sauce. It is made with soy sauce, mirin or sake, sugar, ginger and garlic. The sweet rice wine and sugar give it a slightly sweet taste, while the combination of spices adds a savory twist. Garlic Teriyaki Sauce can be used with noodles and rice, as a dip, stir-fry sauce, marinade, or glaze sauce for vegetables and meats.
2. Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce is a thick, dark sauce commonly used in Cantonese cuisine. It is made from fermented soybean paste, garlic, vinegar, chili peppers, and starches such as sweet potato, rice, or wheat. Hoisin sauce is slightly spicier than plum sauce, but can be used as a dip for fried foods such as egg rolls, spring rolls, chicken wings, and French fries. It can also be used as a stir-fry sauce for vegetables and meats.
3. Duck Sauce
Duck sauce is a sweet and sour, translucent orange condiment. It is made by combining plums, peaches, apricots, or pineapples with sugar, vinegar, ginger, and chili peppers. Sweeter than traditional Cantonese plum sauce, duck sauce is often served as a dip with fried foods such as wontons, egg rolls, chicken, fish, and duck. It can also be used with rice, noodles, and as a basting sauce for grilled foods.
4. Sweet and Sour Sauce
Sweet and sour sauce is a combination of rice vinegar and sugar. It can be mixed with various ingredients such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, honey or ketchup. Sweet and sour sauce is a good substitute for plum sauce because it has a similar sweetness and umami flavor. It can be used in dishes such as sweet and sour chicken, meatballs, shrimp, rice, noodles, as a salad dressing, stir-fry sauce, or as a glaze sauce for chicken, pork, and seafood.
5. Ponzu Sauce
Ponzu sauce is a Japanese sauce made from citrus juice, rice vinegar, mirin, sugar, and seaweed. It has a lighter and more citrusy flavor compared to plum sauce, but shares a sweet and savory flavor profile. Ponzu sauce can be used as a marinade, stir-fry sauce, salad dressing, dipping sauce, or added to burgers, grilled chicken, and other dishes to enhance flavor.
6. Oyster Sauce
Oyster sauce is a dark brown condiment made from sugar, oyster extract, salt, and water or soy sauce thickened with cornstarch. It has a sweet and sour flavor similar to plum sauce, but with stronger umami notes. Oyster sauce is commonly used as a stir-fry sauce for vegetables and noodles, and as a dip or finishing sauce for grilled meats, barbecued pork, and fried foods such as egg rolls and dumplings. A vegetarian alternative to oyster sauce can be made with mushrooms.
7. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a fermented paste made from soybeans, roasted grains, salt, and water. It has a predominantly salty flavor with moderate sweetness, umami, and slight bitterness. Soy sauce is widely used in Chinese cuisine and can be a good substitute for plum sauce. It can be used as a seasoning, a stir-fry sauce, an alternative to salt in stews and soups, a dip for noodles and sushi, and blends well with spices such as garlic, onions, and ginger.
8. XO Sauce
XO Sauce is a spicy seafood sauce that originated in Hong Kong. It is made from dried shrimp, scallops, chili peppers, garlic, onions and oil. While XO Sauce may not have the exact flavor profile of plum sauce, its umami-rich and spicy characteristics make it a unique substitute. It can be used as a condiment, stir-fry sauce, or added to dishes for a bold and flavorful kick.
9. Sha Cha Sauce
Sha Cha sauce, also known as Chinese barbecue sauce, is a savory and slightly spicy sauce made from soybean oil, garlic, shallots, dried shrimp, fish, and various spices. It is commonly used in Chinese cuisine as a dipping sauce, marinade, or stir-fry sauce for vegetables, meat, and seafood. While sha cha sauce does not have the same sweetness as plum sauce, its complex flavor profile and versatility make it a suitable substitute in certain dishes.
In conclusion, if you find yourself without plum sauce, there are several substitutes that can provide a similar flavor profile. Whether you choose garlic teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, duck sauce, sweet and sour sauce, ponzu sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, XO sauce, or sha cha sauce, each alternative brings its own unique flavor and can be used in different ways to enhance your dishes. Experiment with these substitutes and discover new flavors in your culinary creations. Enjoy the versatility and variety that these plum sauce substitutes have to offer.
FAQS
What is Plum Sauce and why would I need a substitute?
Plum Sauce is a versatile condiment used in a variety of dishes to add a sweet and tangy flavor. However, there may be times when you don’t have plum sauce or its ingredients on hand. In such cases, substitutes can come in handy to provide a similar flavor profile.
Can I use Garlic Teriyaki Sauce as a substitute for Plum Sauce?
Yes, garlic teriyaki sauce can be a great substitute for plum sauce. It offers a slightly sweet flavor with a savory twist, making it suitable for a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, marinades, glazing sauces, and as a dip for noodles and rice.
Is hoisin sauce hotter than plum sauce?
Yes, hoisin sauce tends to be slightly hotter than plum sauce. While both sauces have a similar flavor profile, hoisin sauce contains chili peppers, which gives it a bit of heat. It can be used as a dip and stir-fry sauce to complement fried foods, vegetables and meats.
What is the difference between sweet and sour sauce and plum sauce?
Sweet and sour sauce offers a combination of sweetness and tang, similar to plum sauce. However, sweet and sour sauce has a more pronounced vinegar flavor. It can be used in dishes such as sweet and sour chicken, meatballs, and shrimp, as well as a glaze or dressing for various ingredients.
Can soy sauce be used as a substitute for plum sauce?
Yes, soy sauce can be used as a substitute for plum sauce. While it may not provide the same level of sweetness, soy sauce offers a salty and umami-rich flavor that can enhance the taste of your dishes. It works well as a condiment, as a stir-fry sauce, and as a dip for noodles and sushi.