Imagine a sauce so bold and vibrant that it can transform any ordinary dish into a culinary masterpiece! This Asian Hot and Sour Sauce is your ticket to an explosion of tangy, spicy flavors that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. In just 15 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality condiment that's guaranteed to elevate your cooking from mundane to magnificent – no professional chef skills required!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chili paste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry, ensuring no lumps remain.
- In a separate medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, and sugar. Stir the ingredients thoroughly to blend.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly to prevent clumping and ensure smooth integration.
- Continue cooking and stirring for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become glossy. The consistency should coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the sesame oil, which will add a rich, nutty flavor to the sauce.
- Let the sauce cool for 2-3 minutes, during which it will continue to thicken slightly.
- Transfer the hot and sour sauce to a clean glass jar or container for storage. It can be used immediately or refrigerated for up to one week.
Tips
- Cornstarch Slurry Secret: Whisk the cornstarch and water thoroughly to avoid any lumps, which can ruin the smooth texture of your sauce.
- Heat Management: Keep your heat at medium and stir continuously to prevent burning and ensure even thickening.
- Chili Paste Variation: Adjust the amount of chili paste to control the heat level – more for fiery lovers, less for mild palates.
- Fresh is Best: While the sauce keeps for a week in the refrigerator, it's most flavorful when used within the first 2-3 days.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a small minced garlic clove or a splash of rice wine when combining the initial ingredients.
- Storage Tip: Use a clean, airtight glass container to store your sauce and maintain its fresh taste and quality.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 35kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
