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Chinese Five Spice Barbecue Sauce

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Chinese five spice barbecue sauce is a sweet, tangy, and aromatic twist on traditional barbecue sauce. Infused with the bold flavors of Chinese five spice, garlic, and ginger, it’s perfect for glazing meats, marinating, or dipping.

Ingredients

  1. 1 cup ketchup
  2. 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  3. 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  4. 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
  5. 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  6. 1 tsp Chinese five spice powder
  7. 2 garlic cloves, minced
  8. 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  9. 1 tsp chili paste or 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  10. 1/4 cup water (as needed for consistency)

Instructions

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce. Stir until smooth.

  1. Add garlic, ginger, and Chinese five spice powder. Mix well.
  2. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add chili paste or red pepper flakes if a spicier sauce is desired.
  4. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  5. Adjust consistency with a splash of water if needed.
  6. Remove from heat and cool before using as a glaze, dip, or marinade.

Notes

  • Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for natural sweetness.
  • Add orange zest or juice for a citrusy layer of flavor.
  • Swap hoisin with oyster sauce for a richer taste.
  • Blend the sauce for a smoother texture if preferred.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 week or freeze up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/chinese-five-spice-barbecue-sauce/