10 Best Ways To Use Duck Sauce

Don’t let that leftover duck sauce from your Chinese takeout go to waste! This sweet and tangy condiment can easily be used in a variety of different foods. From marinating meats to creating mouthwatering dips and glazes, learn the 10 Best Ways To Use Duck Sauce.

Originating from the culinary traditions of Southern China, this sweet, tangy, and sometimes spicy condiment is traditionally served as a dipping sauce with roast duck, hence its name, but its use doesn’t stop there. It’s a common accompaniment to a variety of Chinese dishes, from egg rolls and spring rolls to crispy noodles and beyond.

The base ingredients typically include plums, apricots, sugar, and vinegar, coming together to create a flavor profile that’s sweet, tangy, and salty. So, next time you get packets or tub of duck sauce with your Chinese takeout, don’t throw it away! What can you do with leftover duck sauce? Put leftover duck sauce to use in your favorite dishes!

📖How To Use Leftover Duck Sauce

1️⃣Duck Sauce Glazed Chicken: Marinate your chicken in leftover duck sauce for a few hours before grilling. This will give your poultry a sweet and tangy taste that pairs excellently with many side dishes.

2️⃣Asian Salad Dressing: Mix duck sauce with a bit of soy sauce, sesame oil, and vinegar for a quick Asian-inspired salad dressing. Toss it in a fresh green salad, or use it to dress a cold noodle salad.

3️⃣Duck Sauce Stir Fry: After sautéing your favorite veggies and protein, add the leftover duck sauce to the pan to create a delicious stir fry. The duck sauce will bring an instant burst of flavor and a glossy finish to your stir fry.

4️⃣BBQ Sauce Base: Incorporate your leftover duck sauce into your homemade BBQ sauce recipe. It’ll add a unique twist to the taste, perfect for grilled meats or a BBQ pulled pork sandwich.

5️⃣Duck Sauce Fried Rice: After frying up your rice and veggies, mix in the leftover duck sauce for a quick, savory meal. The duck sauce will provide a balance of sweet and savory flavors that work wonderfully in fried rice.

6️⃣Marinade for Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favorite vegetables in the leftover duck sauce before roasting. The heat will caramelize the sauce, resulting in a delightfully sweet, tangy, and slightly crispy finish on the vegetables.

7️⃣Dipping Sauce for Appetizers: Heat the duck sauce and use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers like spring rolls, egg rolls, or chicken tenders. The sweetness of the duck sauce can help to balance out the savory taste of these snacks.

8️⃣Sweet and Sour Meatballs: Use the leftover duck sauce as part of your sauce mix for sweet and sour meatballs. The sweet-tangy flavor will enhance the meatballs, making them a hit at any gathering.

9️⃣Shrimp Kabobs Glaze: Brush your shrimp kabobs with duck sauce before and during grilling. The sauce will caramelize and give the shrimp a sweet, slightly tangy, and delicious glaze. This can also be used on chicken, beef, or pork kabobs.

🔟Asian-Inspired Sandwich Spread: Mix duck sauce with mayonnaise to create a unique, Asian-inspired sandwich spread. This will add a sweet and tangy twist to your sandwiches, wraps, or burgers.

❔FAQ

Does duck sauce go bad in the fridge?

Duck sauce can last a long time in the fridge, typically up to two years if it remains unopened and about six months once opened. However, it’s always best to check for changes in smell, color, or texture, as these can indicate spoilage.

What is another name for Chinese duck sauce?

Chinese duck sauce is also often referred to as plum sauce due to its primary ingredient in many traditional recipes, which is plums. However, it’s important to note that variations may use other fruits like apricots or peaches.

Is duck sauce the same as sweet and sour sauce?

While both duck sauce and sweet and sour sauce have a tangy sweetness, they are not the same. Duck sauce is typically fruitier and lighter, made with plums or apricots, while sweet and sour sauce is thicker and often includes ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and fruit juice or preserves.