Best 3 Chinese Red Sauce Recipes

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**Chinese Red Sauce: A Versatile Condiment for a Variety of Dishes**

Chinese red sauce, also known as tianmianjiang, is a thick, savory, and versatile sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It is made from fermented soybeans, giving it a rich and slightly pungent flavor. This sauce is a staple ingredient in many popular Chinese dishes, such as mapo tofu, twice-cooked pork, and dan dan noodles. It adds a distinctive reddish-brown color and a complex flavor profile to these dishes. The fermentation process of the soybeans develops a unique umami flavor that enhances the taste of the other ingredients.

In this article, we provide recipes for various dishes that feature Chinese red sauce as a key ingredient. We begin with a classic recipe for mapo tofu, a Sichuan dish that combines the spicy and numbing flavors of Sichuan peppercorns with the rich and savory taste of the red sauce. Next, we present a recipe for twice-cooked pork, a Hunan dish that involves cooking the pork twice, first boiling and then stir-frying, resulting in tender and flavorful meat coated in a luscious red sauce. Finally, we offer a recipe for dan dan noodles, a Sichuan street food dish made with chewy noodles tossed in a spicy and flavorful red sauce, topped with minced pork and pickled vegetables. These recipes highlight the versatility of Chinese red sauce and its ability to transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary dishes. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, these recipes will guide you in creating authentic and delicious Chinese dishes that will impress your family and friends.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CLASSIC RED SAUCE



Classic Red Sauce image

Provided by Food Network

Time 55m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 red onion, medium-diced
3 cloves garlic, cut into chunks
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons torn fresh basil
1 pound penne or spaghetti, cooked until al dente

Steps:

  • Puree the tomatoes to a smooth, creamy consistency in a food processor or with an immersion blender. (If you like a more country feel, you can wait and break them up in the pan later with a wooden spoon.)
  • Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large saucepan. When hot, add the onion and saute 5 to 6 minutes, or until soft. Add the garlic and cook 2 to 3 minutes, until you see the color start changing. If you'd like to make the sauce spicy, add the red pepper flakes.
  • Add the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer about 30 minutes. (If you did not puree the tomatoes, use a wooden spoon to break them into pieces while they cook.) Strive for balance in the consistency of the sauce: It has to be fluid, but it should not look overly wet. Add the basil and remove from the heat. Toss with just-cooked pasta.

CHINESE BARBECUE SAUCE



Chinese Barbecue Sauce image

This is the exact sauce that you use when you want some real Chinese ribs. Also can be used as a marinade for boneless pork, which goes PERFECTLY in roast pork fried rice!

Provided by javagirl81

Categories     Chinese

Time 4h15m

Yield 4-5 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

5 -6 minced fresh garlic cloves
1 piece fresh ginger, minced
1 cup hoisin sauce
1/2 cup sherry wine
1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium works too-)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
3 teaspoons red food coloring

Steps:

  • Mix all ingredients in a bowl,( or a jar with a tight fitting lid), until the sugar is dissolved. Refrigerate until you are ready to use it.
  • *You can set aside some for use as a dipping sauce, but you must first bring it to a full rolling boil, over med. heat, then reduce the heat to low, and simmer until it is thick, and slightly reduced.
  • **When you are ready to cook, marinate meat for 4-24 hours, turning once every two hours. You then grill or broil the meat until it is cooked through,(and slightly charred- this adds to the flavor!).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 387.6, Fat 2.2, SaturatedFat 0.4, Cholesterol 1.9, Sodium 3052.8, Carbohydrate 60.5, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 44.2, Protein 6.2

CHINESE DIPPING SAUCE



Chinese Dipping Sauce image

Dipping sauces are an integral part of Chinese cooking. This sauce is simple to make but tastes great when served with stir-fries, or egg rolls or any other Chinese item which uses a dipping sauce.

Provided by Aric Ross

Categories     Sauces

Time 1h40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 tablespoon light soy sauce
2 shallots, finely chopped
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1/2 tablespoon superfine sugar
1 piece fresh ginger, finely grated (one inch)
1/2 small red chile, seeded and finely chopped

Steps:

  • Mix together all the sauce ingredients in a bowl and stir well until combined.
  • Cover and chill in the refrigerator, to allow the flavors to infuse, for at least 1 hour prior to serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 38.1, Fat 2.3, SaturatedFat 0.3, Sodium 253.1, Carbohydrate 4, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 1.9, Protein 0.8

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Oil: For the best flavor, use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil.
  • Stir-Fry the Aromatics: Ginger, garlic, and scallions are the backbone of many Chinese red sauces. Be sure to stir-fry them until they are fragrant and slightly browned.
  • Use Shaoxing Wine: This Chinese rice wine adds a rich, umami flavor to the sauce. If you don't have Shaoxing wine, you can substitute dry sherry or mirin.
  • Add Some Sugar: A little bit of sugar helps to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar. You can also use honey or agave nectar if you prefer.
  • Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for at least 15 minutes, or longer if you have time. This will help the flavors to meld and develop.
  • Serve with Rice or Noodles: Chinese red sauce is traditionally served with rice or noodles. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for dumplings, spring rolls, or other appetizers.

Conclusion:

Chinese red sauce is a versatile and delicious condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. With its sweet, sour, and savory flavor, it's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy way to add some flavor to your meal, give Chinese red sauce a try. You won't be disappointed!

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