Description
Bright and flavorful orange sauce, perfect for chicken, salmon, vegetables, or as a glaze. Easy to make with fresh ingredients and customizable to your taste!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup orange zest
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Bell Pepper: Add minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper to the saucepan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and the bell pepper starts to soften.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Orange Goodness: Pour in diced tomatoes (undrained), fresh orange juice, and orange zest. Stir well to combine.
- Sweeten and Season: Add honey (or maple syrup), apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir thoroughly.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) and water until smooth. Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce and stir constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency (1-2 minutes).
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Blend for a Smooth Sauce (Optional): Use an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender (carefully!) to blend until smooth.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately over your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Add Ginger: Add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger.
- Use Different Citrus: Experiment with mandarin oranges, tangerines, or grapefruit.
- Add Soy Sauce or Tamari: For a savory flavor, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free).
- Make it Vegan: Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Storage: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes