XO sauce is a popular Asian condiment that may be found in a variety of meals.
It has a salty, umami taste and is typically used as a dip for dumplings or noodles. It is made with dried shrimp and a combination of spices.
It is reasonably priced and can be found at any local grocery store (typically in the Asian cuisine department).
Because of its prominence in Asian cuisine, getting XO sauce in the United States might be challenging.
But don’t worry.
There are several replacements you can use to acquire the same umami taste without having to go out and purchase it.
These five substitutions can give your meal exactly what it needs without all of the fuss.
Continue reading to learn how to make your favorite food taste even better than before.
Contents
What exactly is XO Sauce?
Many individuals are unaware of XO Sauce since it is not often seen.
This condiment is often characterized as having a combination of dried shrimp, garlic, ginger, and chili pepper when used in Asian recipes.
It looks similar to black bean sauce, but the two sauces usually taste quite different.
One of the most popular misunderstandings is that it is a spicy condiment.
XO sauce, on the other hand, is used as an addition to foods such as stir-fries or braised pork belly noodles.
It has the consistency of soy sauce and hoisin sauce but tastes saltier than both. It has notes of cloves and cinnamon that give it its unique flavor profile, as well as a touch of heat from chili peppers for those who like some spice on their food.
This sauce is particularly popular in Hong Kong cuisine.
It’s usually combined with Cantonese noodles and added to the broth.
Lee Kum Kee is the most well-known brand of XO sauce.
Hence, whenever you see that name mentioned as an ingredient, use it for the recipe in the book (even if you are not making Asian food).
If you can’t locate XO sauce at your local grocery shop, use any item with umami qualities.
The sauce may be used as a basis for a variety of Asian cuisines, although it is not limited to Asian cuisine.
XO sauce may be found at any genuine grocery or specialist Asian store.
When you want to add a little additional flavor to your food, XO sauce comes in useful.
5 Greatest XO Sauce Substitutes
You have a few choices if you can’t get XO Sauce in your local grocery shop.
You may experiment with several store-bought brands of spicy sauce.
Some come close to XO Sauce in taste, but none are the same.
If you’re looking for something similar to XO, consider:
If you want something less fiery and more reminiscent of a conventional tomato-based hot sauce, try:
You may also make your own XO by following these simple recipes:
1 tbsp. Teriyaki sauce
Teriyaki sauce is one of the most popular sauces on the market today.
Its popularity stems from its flexibility and deliciousness.
This Japanese-inspired sauce combines soy sauce, mirin, and sake.
This sauce is used to prepare meats like chicken or beef.
It is also suitable for veggies and grains.
It is vital to notice that the ingredients are blended in a saucepan, cooked, and then cooled before serving.
Many folks love marinating the meat before grilling with this sauce.
Some people place the meat in the saucepan and cook it with the sauce.
Moreover, this renowned sauce may be utilized for a variety of cuisines.
It comes in a bottle or can, so all you have to do is heat it up and serve it with your meal.
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
Oyster sauce is an excellent alternative for adding flavor to your cuisine.
It’s a rich sauce made with oysters and other ingredients.
This sauce is made from soybeans, brine, water, sugar, salt, alcohol, and yeast.
The sauce has a dark brown color. Oyster sauces may be found in anything from stir-fries to fried rice.
If you prefer a thinner sauce, you may add a little water while cooking with this sort of sauce.
If you are not planning to use it straight away, keep it in the refrigerator.
Protein and amino acids are also abundant in the sauce.
3 tablespoons Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce is an excellent alternative for a sweet and spicy sauce.
This sauce is often used in Chinese cookery, particularly while preparing chicken.
It has a strong flavor and goes well with a variety of foods.
Soybeans, garlic, vinegar, sugar, red chili peppers, and other spices are used to make hoisin.
The sauce is often available in a bottle or can and may sometimes be found in your local grocery store’s Asian area.
While using this sort of sauce, keep in mind that a little goes a long way.
Depending on what you’re doing, you should strive to locate seven or eight on your meal till it’s completely covered.
This will assist to flavor your food without adding too much sauce.
If you’re making an Asian cuisine, you should look for this sauce.
It’s an excellent replacement for the more pricey XO sauce.
4 sour and sweet sauce
Those of you who like Asian cuisine should look for sweet and sour sauce.
This sauce may be found in a variety of foods, including chicken, pig, and beef.
It’s also utilized in a variety of stir-fry dishes.
Tomato ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and spices are used to make the sweet and sour sauce.
Typically, the components are combined in a bowl until smooth.
The sauce may be refrigerated for up to two weeks after this stage.
If you’re searching for a sweet and sour sauce replacement, consider ketchup or chili sauce instead.
Both of these sauces are readily available at your neighborhood grocery shop or supermarket.
They are also available in the condiment department of your favorite fast-food establishment.
5 Spicy Chili Sauce
Sweet chili sauce is a common condiment that may be found on a variety of Asian meals.
It’s often paired with fried rice, fish, chicken, or beef.
It’s also utilized in a variety of stir-fry dishes.
Vinegar, sugar, and chili peppers are used to make sweet chili sauce.
Typically, the components are combined in a bowl until smooth.
The sauce may be refrigerated for up to two weeks after this stage.
It is vital to understand that sweet chili sauce is not the same as hot chili sauce.
Vinegar, sugar, chilies, and spices are used to make hot chili sauce.
It is often served with fried rice, shrimp, and meat meals.
Sweet chili sauce may be purchased in the condiment area of your local supermarket or grocery store.
It’s also sold at most Asian grocery shops.
Conclusion
XO sauce is inexpensive to make, yet the taste is comparable to that of much more costly sauces.
If you’re weary of paying exorbitant prices for ordinary sauces at the supermarket, try making them yourself.
You’ll quickly discover substantially lower costs and a lower cost per ounce.
Having said that, these alternatives to typical store-bought condiments and sauces might help you save money.
So, what are some more delicious sauces and condiments you can make at home? Please leave a remark and share.
