Description
This perfect orange chicken sauce is the key to achieving that sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor found in your favorite takeout! Made with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and a touch of honey, this sauce is thick, glossy, and full of flavor. Use it for homemade orange chicken or as a dipping sauce!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 2 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
- 1/2 tsp orange zest (for extra citrus flavor)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for depth of flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Sauce Ingredients
- In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Set aside the cornstarch slurry for later.
Step 2: Cook the Sauce
- Heat a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- After 2-3 minutes, add the orange zest and sesame oil.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
- Stir the cornstarch slurry again to make sure it’s smooth.
- Slowly pour it into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly.
- Let the sauce cook for 1-2 more minutes until it thickens to a glossy consistency.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Pour over crispy fried chicken for homemade orange chicken.
- Use as a glaze for grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Serve as a dipping sauce for egg rolls or dumplings.
Notes
For a richer sauce, use dark soy sauce instead of light soy sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add 1-2 tbsp of water or more orange juice.
For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add Sriracha.
This sauce keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Chinese-American