16 Chinese Brown Sauce Recipe Alton Brown Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
Alton Brown is a renowned chef, author, and television personality known for his scientific approach to cooking. He has shared numerous delicious and unique recipes over the years, and one of his most sought-after creations is his Chinese Brown Sauce. This versatile and flavorful sauce is a staple in many Asian dishes and can be used as a marinade, stir-fry sauce, or dipping sauce. In this article, we will delve into the details of Alton Brown's Chinese Brown Sauce recipe and learn how to recreate it in our own kitchens.
One of the most versatile and beloved sauces in Chinese cuisine, Chinese brown sauce is a staple for many dishes. Its rich, savory flavor and glossy texture make it the perfect accompaniment for almost any protein or vegetable. Made with a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and various aromatics, this sauce is easy to make and adds a burst of umami to any dish.
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Chinese Vegetarian Brown Sauce
Main Ingredients: Water, Vegan Bouillon Cubes, Corn Starch, Oyster Sauce
For those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, Chinese vegetarian brown sauce is a great alternative to the traditional version. This sauce uses vegetable broth instead of oyster sauce and can be customized with different vegetables and spices to create a unique flavor profile. It’s perfect for stir-fries, noodle dishes, and even as a dipping sauce for spring rolls.
Sweet and sticky, Chinese honey chicken sauce is a must-try for anyone who loves a little sweetness in their dishes. Made with a combination of honey, soy sauce, and ginger, this sauce is perfect for glazing chicken wings or as a dipping sauce for chicken strips. The addition of crushed red pepper flakes gives it a slight kick that balances out the sweetness.
For garlic lovers, Chinese garlic sauce is a dream come true. This sauce is bold and pungent, with a strong garlic flavor that pairs well with any protein or vegetable. Made with a combination of garlic, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce, this sauce is perfect for stir-fries, noodles, and even as a marinade for meats.
If you’ve ever eaten at a Chinese restaurant, you’ve likely encountered duck sauce. This sweet and tangy sauce is a classic condiment for egg rolls, wontons, and other appetizers. Made with apricot preserves, rice vinegar, and soy sauce, this sauce is easy to make at home and will elevate any dish it’s paired with.
No list of Chinese sauces would be complete without the beloved sweet and sour sauce. This sauce is a staple in many dishes, from sweet and sour chicken to pork ribs. Made with a combination of ketchup, rice vinegar, and pineapple juice, this sauce has the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness that makes it a favorite among many.
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Chinese Fried Red Chili Sauce
Main Ingredients: Beans, Garlic, Ginger, Red Chili Flakes, Dark Sesame
For those who love a little heat in their dishes, Chinese fried red chili sauce is a must-try. This sauce is made with red chili peppers, garlic, and sesame oil, giving it a fiery kick and a smoky flavor. It’s perfect for stir-fries, dipping sauces, and as a marinade for meats.
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Chinese Garlic Sauce for Stir-Fries
Main Ingredients: Rice Vinegar, Granulated Sugar, Light Soy Sauce, Dark
This garlic sauce is specifically designed for stir-fries, with a thicker consistency that coats the ingredients perfectly. Made with a combination of garlic, soy sauce, and cornstarch, this sauce adds a burst of flavor to any stir-fry dish. It’s also great as a marinade for meats or a dipping sauce for dumplings.
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The Best Ever Simple Sweet and Sour Sauce
Main Ingredients: Corn Starch, Water, Pineapple Juice, Brown Sugar
If you’re looking for a quick and easy sweet and sour sauce recipe, look no further. This simple sauce is made with just a few ingredients, including soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
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How To Make Chinese Black Bean Sauce (aka Black Bean...
Main Ingredients: Fermented Black Beans, Oil, Minced Garlic, Minced
Known as dou chi jiang in Chinese, black bean sauce is a staple in many dishes, particularly in Cantonese cuisine. Made with fermented black beans, garlic, and other aromatics, this sauce adds a complex depth of flavor to any dish it’s paired with. It’s perfect for stir-fries, noodle dishes, and even as a marinade for meats.
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Chinese Style Sesame Sauce
Main Ingredients: White Sugar, Cornstarch, Chicken Broth, Water, White
This creamy and nutty sauce is a favorite in many Chinese dishes, particularly in Sichuan cuisine. Made with tahini, sesame oil, and soy sauce, this sauce is perfect for drizzling over noodles, vegetables, or as a dip for dumplings. It’s also a great base for a homemade salad dressing.
Also known as white gravy, Chinese white sauce is a simple and versatile sauce that can be used in many dishes. Made with chicken broth, cornstarch, and soy sauce, this sauce is thick and glossy, making it perfect for stir-fries, noodle dishes, and even as a dipping sauce for spring rolls.
This spicy and tangy sauce is a staple in many Chinese dishes, from mapo tofu to hot and sour soup. Made with a combination of chili peppers, rice vinegar, and soy sauce, this sauce adds a fiery kick and a tangy flavor to any dish it’s paired with. It’s also great as a dipping sauce for dumplings or as a marinade for meats.
This sauce is a marriage of sweet and spicy, with a tangy orange flavor that pairs perfectly with the heat of chili peppers. Made with orange juice, honey, and soy sauce, this sauce is perfect for glazing meats, stir-fries, or as a dipping sauce for egg rolls. It’s also great for adding a pop of flavor to grilled vegetables.
Chinese barbecue sauce, also known as char siu sauce, is a staple in Cantonese cuisine. This sauce is sweet, savory, and perfect for marinating meats, particularly pork. Made with a combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and honey, this sauce is easy to make and will take your barbecue dishes to the next level.
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Kung Pao Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Dried Chili Pepper, Sichuan Peppercorn
This spicy and savory sauce is most commonly used in the popular dish, Kung Pao chicken. Made with a combination of chili peppers, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, this sauce adds a bold and complex flavor to any dish it’s paired with. It’s also great for stir-fries, noodle dishes, and as a dipping sauce for spring rolls.
Sweet and tangy, Chinese plum sauce is a beloved condiment in Chinese cuisine. Made with plum jam, rice vinegar, and soy sauce, this sauce is perfect for dipping fried foods, glazing meats, or as a topping for grilled vegetables. It’s also a key ingredient in many Chinese barbecue dishes.
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Chinese Black Bean Chili Sauce
Main Ingredients: Gluten Free Soy Sauce, Sherry, Organic Sugar, Sea Salt
This sauce is a combination of two beloved Chinese condiments – black bean sauce and chili sauce. Made with fermented black beans, chili peppers, and soy sauce, this sauce is perfect for adding a kick of heat and a depth of flavor to any dish. It’s great for stir-fries, noodle dishes, and as a marinade for meats.
If you’re a fan of black bean sauce, this recipe is a must-try. Made with fermented black beans, garlic, and ginger, this sauce has a bold and pungent flavor that pairs well with any protein or vegetable. It’s perfect for stir-fries, noodle dishes, and as a marinade for meats.
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Chinese Imperial Palace Sweet and Sour Sauce
Main Ingredients: White Vinegar, Water, Sugar, Salt, Msg, Tabasco
This sauce is a more refined version of the classic sweet and sour sauce. Made with plum sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce, this sauce has a more complex flavor profile that’s perfect for more delicate dishes. It’s great for dipping spring rolls, glazing meats, or as a topping for grilled seafood.
The Ingredients and Preparation
To make Alton Brown's Chinese Brown Sauce, you will need soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic, and ginger. These ingredients may already be in your pantry, making this recipe an easy and convenient choice for a quick and delicious meal. The first step is to mix 1/4 cup of soy sauce and 1 cup of chicken broth in a small bowl. Next, add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the mixture and whisk until well combined. Finally, mince 2 cloves of garlic and 1 tablespoon of ginger and add them to the sauce. Give it a final whisk, and your Chinese Brown Sauce is ready to use.
The Science Behind the Ingredients
Alton Brown is known for his scientific approach to cooking, and this recipe is no exception. Let's take a closer look at the ingredients and how they contribute to the flavor and texture of the Chinese Brown Sauce. Soy sauce is the base of the sauce and provides a rich umami flavor. It is made from fermented soybeans and gives the sauce its iconic dark color. Chicken broth adds depth and richness to the sauce, while brown sugar provides a touch of sweetness to balance out the saltiness from the soy sauce. Sesame oil is a key ingredient in Asian cuisine and adds a nutty and slightly smoky flavor to the sauce. Cornstarch acts as a thickener and gives the sauce its glossy and smooth texture. Finally, garlic and ginger are essential aromatics that add a punch of flavor and complement the other ingredients perfectly.
Ways to Use Alton Brown's Chinese Brown Sauce
Now that you have mastered the recipe, it's time to explore the numerous ways you can use this delicious sauce. One popular option is to use it as a marinade for meats, such as chicken, beef, or pork. Simply marinate the meat for at least 30 minutes before cooking for a flavorful and tender result. You can also use the sauce as a stir-fry sauce by adding it to your favorite vegetables and protein for a quick and tasty meal. And of course, it makes a fantastic dipping sauce for dumplings, egg rolls, or any other Asian appetizers.
In conclusion, Alton Brown's Chinese Brown Sauce is a versatile and delicious addition to any kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and some whisking, you can create this flavorful sauce that will elevate your Asian-inspired dishes to a whole new level. So next time you're craving some Chinese takeout, why not try making your own Chinese Brown Sauce at home? Your taste buds will thank you.