Sweet & Tangy: Classic Chinese Plum Sauce to Elevate Your Meals

Written by Sarah Gardner

If you've ever dipped a crispy egg roll into a sweet-tart, sticky sauce and thought, what is this magic?, you’ve probably met Chinese plum sauce. This homemade plum sauce is a staple in many Asian kitchens, known for its balance of fruity sweetness and savory umami. Whether you’ve got a basket of fresh summer plums from the farmer’s market and are wondering what to do with plums, or you’re simply looking for a killer sauce for egg rolls or even a twisty sauce for eggs, this recipe is a delicious way to start.

Classic Chinese Plum Sauce

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 1.5 Cups

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan for simmering the ingredients into a thick sauce
  • Wooden spoon to stir without scratching the pot
  • Blender or immersion blender to create a smooth consistency
  • Fine mesh strainer (optional) if you want an ultra-silky finish
  • Glass jar or container for storing your sauce

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups chopped fresh plums red or yellow – both work well for different flavor notes
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions
 

Prep your plums

  1. Wash, pit, and chop the plums. No need to peel them—most of the flavor and color is in the skin.

Simmer the sauce

  1. Combine plums, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, Chinese five spice, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.

Cook until soft

  1. Reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the plums are very soft and the liquid has thickened slightly.

Blend it up

  1. Remove from heat and use a blender or immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth.

Taste and tweak

  1. Adjust seasoning if needed—add more vinegar for tang, sugar for sweetness, or chili for spice.

Cool and store

  1. Let the sauce cool before transferring it to a jar. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Perfect Pairings

This classic plum sauce recipe isn’t just for dim sum nights. It makes an incredible plum sauce chicken glaze (try brushing it on grilled thighs or baked wings). For a twist on traditional roast, pair it with pork loin or use it as a marinade for tofu. It’s also a tasty sauce for egg rolls, dumplings, and spring rolls. Feeling breakfast-y? Drizzle it over scrambled eggs or an omelet for a sweet-savory punch. And if you’re into recipes using plum sauce, try using it as a sandwich spread for duck or turkey wraps.

FAQs

1. What kind of plums work best?

Red plums are traditional and give that deep purple hue and rich tang, but yellow plums work beautifully too. For a milder, slightly sweeter taste, yellow plum recipes like this shine with golden varieties like Mirabelle.

2. Can I use frozen plums?

Absolutely! Just thaw them first. This is a great way to try out plum recipes healthy even in the off-season.

3. Is this the same as a Chinese duck sauce recipe?

Yes, this plum sauce recipe Chinese style is often what’s served with duck, especially Peking duck. It’s essentially a type of Asian plum sauce recipe, made to complement fatty, savory meats.

4. Is this the same as plum chutney?

Not quite. A plum chutney recipe usually includes more savory spices and vinegar for tang. This is sweeter and smoother, perfect for dipping.

5. Can I make this ahead?

Yes! In fact, like a good plum jelly recipe easy or any preserved sauce, the flavors deepen over time.

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