From busy weeknights to casual weekend feasts, a jar of this make-ahead homemade orange sauce turns everyday dishes into vibrant, takeout-style favorites. Inspired by the sweet-and-savory glazes found in classic Chinese-American kitchens, the blend of fresh citrus, brown sugar, soy, and warming aromatics creates a glossy coating that clings to sizzling meat or veggie bites. A single simmer transforms the mixture into a fragrant, amber glaze, ready to be poured over golden chicken pieces, drizzled across crispy cauliflower, or tossed with noodles for an instant burst of sunshine-bright flavor.

Make-Ahead Homemade Orange Sauce Recipe

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

cup

Prep time

minutes

Total time

minutes

Bright, sweet, and gently spicy, this make-ahead orange sauce combines fresh juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger. Yields about 1 cup, thickens in minutes, and keeps refrigerated for up to one week.

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Ingredients

1 cup Fresh Orange Juice
1 tsp Fresh Lemon Zest
1 tbsp Cornstarch
2 tbsp Water
2 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
1 tbsp White Vinegar
2 tbsp Brown Sugar
1 tbsp Ketchup
1/2 tsp Ground White Pepper
1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
1 tsp Minced Garlic
1 tsp Minced Ginger

Directions

In a mixing bowl, combine orange juice, orange zest, cornstarch, water, light soy sauce, white vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and white pepper.
Whisk until well blended and set aside.
Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Sauté until aromatic, being careful not to brown them.
Add minced garlic and ginger once the oil is hot.
Sauté until aromatic, being careful not to brown them.
Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and stir until well combined.
Cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and let it cool before use.
Use as required.

Notes

This homemade orange sauce recipe yields about 1 cup, enough to coat two stir-fries or to glaze 4 servings of chicken, shrimp, tofu, or roasted vegetables.
For extra zip, swap part of the water for more vinegar, or stir in red pepper flakes. To reduce sugar, replace half the brown sugar with orange juice concentrate.
The sauce thickens in minutes, then holds beautifully in the refrigerator for up to one week, making it an ideal make-ahead condiment ready to reheat whenever a quick, flavorful finish is needed.