Authentic Chinese Plum Sauce Recipes

CHINESE PLUM SAUCE

Steps:

• In large heavy saucepan, bring plums, onions, water, ginger and garlic to boil over medium heat; cover, reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until plums and onions are very tender, about 30 minutes.
• Press through food mill or sieve and return to clean pan; stir in sugar, vinegar, coriander, salt, cinnamon, pepper and cloves.
• Bring to boil, stirring; reduce heat to low and simmer until mixture reaches consistency of applesauce, about 45 minutes.
• Fill and seal jars; process in boiling water bath for 30 minutes.
• Makes about 4 cups

CHINESE PLUM SAUCE

Steps:

• Place the plums, sugar, apple cider vinegar, unseasoned rice vinegar, soy sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, ginger coins, chile and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small pot. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, cover and simmer until the plums are soft, about 20 minutes.
• Allow the mixture to cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a blender, filling halfway. Put the lid on, leaving one corner open. Cover the lid with a kitchen towel to catch splatters, and pulse until smooth. Alternatively, use an immersion blender until smooth.
• Transfer the blended plum mixture back to the same pot and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is thick and you can see the bottom of the pot when you run a rubber spatula across the bottom, about 5 minutes.
• Transfer to a medium bowl or plate to cool to room temperature, about 2 hours.
• The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

AUTHENTIC CHINESE PLUM SAUCE

Steps:

• Place all the ingredients except for the spice mixture in a medium-sized pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree until smooth (then return to pot).
• Place the whole spices (skip if using store-bought five spice powder) in a small dry pan and toast over medium-high heat just until fragrant. Be careful not to scorch the spices or they will taste bitter. Let the spices cool and then place the whole spices in a piece of cheesecloth tied shut with string or in a tea sachet. Do the same if using store-bought ground five spice powder.
• Place the spice packet in the pot with the plum sauce and continue to simmer uncovered for 25-45 minutes until the sauce is thickened to the desired consistency. Discard the spice packet. Let the sauce cool. Store in the fridge in an airtight non-reactive container. Will keep for up to 2 weeks.
• CANNING INSTRUCTIONS: Ladle the hot plum sauce into sterilized jars, seal with the lids and process in a boiling water canner for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Remove the jars and let sit undisturbed for 24 hours then check the seals. Will keep in a dark, cool place for at least a year.