Chinese five-spice powder, garlic and ginger flavor this delectable -- and easy to prepare -- Five-Spice Plum Sauce. Try serving it with duck, chicken, or tofu, or use it in place of hoisin sauce with homemade moo shu.
Makes about 1 1/2 cups.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil, such as grapeseed or canola
- 1 large clove garlic, peeled and chopped
- 1 pound Italian plums, rinsed, pitted, and cut into large chunks
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ginger preserves or ginger spread
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
Preparation:
Heat the oil in a small or medium saucepan. Add the garlic and saute for about 30 seconds.
Add the plums, soy sauce, vinegar, preserves, and five-spice powder. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until plums soften and begin to disintegrate, about 10 minutes. Mash any remaining large pieces of plum with a spoon, stir and serve warm or at room temperature.
Variation: If you prefer a smooth sauce to a chunky one, puree the finished sauce with an immersion or regular blender.