Looking to elevate your next duck dinner with something a little sweet, tangy, and totally addictive? This easy homemade duck sauce with pineapple and ginger is exactly what you need. It’s inspired by the classic Chinese duck sauce recipe but features a fresh, tropical twist with real pineapple and the warm bite of ginger. Whether you’re experimenting with wild duck breast recipes or simply want a delicious dip for egg rolls or fried wontons, this sauce is versatile, bold, and surprisingly easy to whip up at home.

PIN IT

Duck Sauce with Pineapple and Ginger

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Servings 1.5 cups of sauce (enough for 4-6 servings as a dip or glaze)

Equipment

Small saucepan Used to simmer and reduce the sauce.
Whisk For combining the slurry and ensuring a smooth texture.
Blender or immersion blender (optional) If you prefer a completely smooth sauce. You can also use a fork or potato masher if you want a chunky texture.
Fine mesh strainer (optional) To strain out ginger fibers if you prefer a refined finish.
Glass jar or airtight container For storing your sauce in the fridge.

Ingredients

1 cup fresh pineapple finely chopped (or use canned in juice, drained)
1/3 cup rice vinegar white vinegar can substitute
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
1 clove garlic minced
1/4 cup brown sugar or use honey for a natural sweetener
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water for slurry
Pinch of red pepper flakes optional, for a hint of heat
1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional additions for variations

2 tablespoons applesauce for a milder, fruitier base — a nod to the duck sauce recipe applesauce version
1 tablespoon apricot preserves for a sweeter, apricot duck sauce take

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by finely chopping the pineapple and grating the ginger. If you’re using fresh garlic, mince it as well. If you opted for canned pineapple, drain it thoroughly to prevent the sauce from getting too watery.

Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients

In a small saucepan, combine the chopped pineapple, rice vinegar, water, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and salt. Stir to combine and place over medium heat.

Step 3: Simmer and Infuse

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pineapple should begin to break down, and the flavors will start to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Thicken with Slurry

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly to avoid clumps.
Continue to cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Optional Blend and Strain

If you prefer a smooth duck sauce, transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree. You can also pass it through a fine mesh strainer to remove any stringy bits from the ginger or pineapple.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Let the sauce cool to room temperature before transferring to a jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. The flavor deepens over time.

Pairings

This pineapple and ginger duck sauce shines in a variety of dishes. It’s not just a dipping sauce — it’s a full-on flavor enhancer. Here are some great ways to use it:

Duck Dishes: Brush it over crispy duck breast in place of traditional glazes. It’s especially good on grilled duck — great if you're looking for duck breast recipes easy to make yet elegant. If you're into wild duck breast recipes, this sauce adds a tropical counterpoint to the gamey flavor.
Spring Rolls & Egg Rolls: Use it as a dip alongside your favorite appetizers. The ginger really cuts through fried foods in the best way.
Grilled Pork or Chicken: Works beautifully as a glaze or dipping sauce for grilled meats. Try it with skewers or pork belly.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: Toss a spoonful into a quick veggie stir-fry for instant sweet-savory depth.
Rice Bowls: Drizzle it over a bowl of jasmine rice, roasted vegetables, and shredded duck or tofu.

Want to go full-on classic? Try pairing this with a homemade peking duck recipe — the sweet and tangy punch plays perfectly against crispy skin and tender meat.

FAQs

1. Can I use this sauce for wild duck breast recipes?

Absolutely! The fruity and slightly sharp notes in this sauce pair well with the richer, more intense flavor of wild duck breast. It cuts through the gaminess and balances the profile beautifully.

2. Is this a traditional Chinese duck sauce recipe?

This recipe is inspired by the classic Chinese duck sauce, often served in American-Chinese cuisine. While traditional versions often include plums or apricots, this one uses pineapple and ginger for a fresh, modern spin. If you're searching for how to make duck sauce Chinese-style, this variation is both authentic in feel and creative in taste.

3. Can I substitute applesauce or apricot preserves?

Yes, both work well! Applesauce gives a mellow, slightly sweet base and is commonly used in duck sauce recipe applesauce versions. Apricot preserves add depth and make a great apricot duck sauce base if you want more jammy richness.

4. How do I store homemade duck sauce?

Store your sauce in a clean glass jar or airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to 10 days and the flavor will actually improve after a day or two.

5. Can I use this in duck soup recipes?

While duck sauce is typically served with roasted or fried duck, a small spoonful of this sauce can brighten up duck soup recipes. Stir in a bit at the end for a hint of sweetness and acidity.

Easy Homemade Duck Sauce with Pineapple and Ginger