Are you a fan of Chinese BBQ pork but can’t seem to replicate that delicious red sauce that comes with it?
Look no further! In this article, we’ll be sharing a recipe for Chinese red sauce that will take your BBQ pork to the next level.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving some comfort food, this sauce is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
So, let’s get started and learn how to make this sweet and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with BBQ pork, egg rolls, and fried shrimp.
How To Make Chinese Red Sauce For BBQ Pork?
To make Chinese red sauce for BBQ pork, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 1/3 cup chili sauce
– 2 tablespoons horseradish sauce
– 1/8 teaspoon hot sauce (Tabasco sauce)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the chili sauce, horseradish sauce, and hot sauce.
2. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Once the sauce has thickened slightly and all of the ingredients are well incorporated, remove it from the heat.
6. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before serving.
7. Serve the Chinese red sauce alongside your favorite BBQ pork dish, egg rolls, or fried shrimp.
Ingredients You’ll Need
If you’re planning to make Chinese BBQ pork, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– Pork (long strips or chunks, about 2 to 3 inches thick)
– Sugar
– Salt
– Five spice powder
– White pepper
– Sesame oil
– Rice wine or dry sherry
– Soy sauce
– Hoisin sauce
– Molasses
– Red food coloring (optional)
– Garlic
For the Chinese red sauce, you’ll need:
– Chili sauce
– Horseradish sauce
– Hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
It’s important to note that the pork needs to marinate overnight, so plan accordingly. Additionally, make sure to keep an eye on the pork while it’s roasting in the oven and adjust the temperature as needed to prevent burning. With these ingredients and tips, you’ll be able to make delicious Chinese BBQ pork with a flavorful red sauce.
Preparing The Sauce Base
To prepare the sauce base for Chinese red sauce, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients: chili sauce, horseradish sauce, and hot sauce (Tabasco sauce).
To begin, combine the chili sauce, horseradish sauce, and hot sauce in a small saucepan. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined.
Next, place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
As the sauce simmers, it will begin to thicken slightly and all of the ingredients will become well incorporated. Once this happens, remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool to room temperature before serving.
The resulting Chinese red sauce is a perfect accompaniment to BBQ pork, egg rolls, or fried shrimp. It has a sweet and tangy flavor with just a hint of spice from the hot sauce. Enjoy!
Adding The Flavor Boosters
While the basic ingredients for Chinese red sauce for BBQ pork will give you a good starting point, adding flavor boosters can take your sauce to the next level. Here are some suggestions:
1. Aromatics: Adding aromatics such as minced garlic, chopped onions, diced jalapenos, or diced bell pepper can add depth and complexity to your sauce.
2. Herbs: Herbs such as dried rosemary, thyme, basil, sage, bay leaf, cilantro, mint, and parsley can enhance the savory flavor of your sauce.
3. Fruit: Experiment with adding sweetness to your sauce by incorporating fruit. Guava paste can be used as part of your base, while fresh blueberries or blackberries can be pureed and added to the sauce. Fruit jelly or preserves can also be used for a touch of sweetness.
4. Spices: Depending on how sweet or savory you want your sauce to be, you can use spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, and ginger for sweetness. Paprika, coriander, cumin, and curry powder can be used to achieve a more savory flavor.
5. Liquid: All BBQ sauces need some type of liquid to provide a smooth texture. Different kinds of beer are an easy way to enhance tangy and savory flavors. Bourbon and red wine are other options that can add depth and complexity to your sauce. Root beer and cola can add a touch of sweetness, while brewed coffee can add delicious bitterness. Even a little bit of bacon drippings can add a robust savory flavor.
By incorporating these flavor boosters into your Chinese red sauce for BBQ pork, you’ll be able to create a unique and delicious sauce that will elevate any dish it’s paired with.
Cooking And Storing The Sauce
Cooking the Chinese red sauce for BBQ pork is a simple process that can be done in just a few minutes. Once the sauce has been prepared, it’s important to store it properly to ensure that it stays fresh and delicious.
To cook the sauce, simply combine the chili sauce, horseradish sauce, and hot sauce in a small saucepan. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined, then bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly and all of the ingredients are well incorporated.
Once the sauce has been cooked, let it cool to room temperature before serving. The Chinese red sauce can be served alongside your favorite BBQ pork dish, egg rolls, or fried shrimp. It’s a versatile sauce that can add a spicy kick to any meal.
To store the sauce, transfer it to an airtight container such as a heat-proof mason jar or plastic container. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so let it cool for another 10 to 15 minutes before transferring it to the container. Cover the container and store it in the fridge for up to one week.
It’s important to note that like most barbecue sauces, char siu can burn easily because of the sugar content, so use it only at the end of cooking. By following these simple steps for cooking and storing Chinese red sauce for BBQ pork, you can enjoy this delicious condiment anytime you want!
Serving Suggestions And Variations
When it comes to serving Chinese red sauce for BBQ pork, there are many delicious options to choose from. One classic pairing is with egg rolls, as the sweet and spicy flavors of the sauce perfectly complement the crispy texture of the rolls. Another great option is to serve it alongside BBQ pork, as the sauce adds an extra layer of flavor to the already delicious meat.
If you’re looking to switch things up a bit, there are many variations you can try with this sauce. For example, if you like things spicier, you can add more hot sauce or even some diced hot peppers to the mix. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce or omit it altogether.
Another way to customize this sauce is by adding in additional ingredients like ginger or garlic. These aromatics will add a depth of flavor to the sauce and take it to the next level. You can also experiment with different types of chili sauces, like Sriracha or Sambal Oelek, to give your sauce a unique twist.
For those who prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add a bit of honey or brown sugar to the sauce. This will balance out the spiciness and give your sauce a delicious sweetness that pairs well with BBQ pork.
