Are you looking for a way to add some extra flavor to your dishes?
Look no further than XO sauce!
This unique and delicious sauce can take any meal to the next level, but many people are unsure of how to use it.
Fear not, because we have compiled some tips and tricks for incorporating XO sauce into your cooking.
From simple fried rice to stir-fried noodles with chicken and shrimp, there are endless possibilities for this versatile condiment.
So grab a jar of XO sauce and get ready to elevate your meals to new heights!
How To Use XO Sauce?
1. As a Topping: XO sauce should be used sparingly, as a little goes a long way. Use a tablespoon or so to top roasted vegetables, grilled meats, cooked noodles, fried rice, steamed fish, and pork ribs. It can add a unique and profound flavor to any dish.
2. In Fried Rice: XO sauce can be used to accentuate the flavor of simple fried rice. You can add chicken, seafood, and other vegetables into the recipe, but using more XO sauce as a topping can provide a more intense flavor. Heat the oil to moderate heat in a well-seasoned wok. Saute the chopped garlic until it turns fragrant and becomes lightly golden. Add the beaten eggs and spread them to form a thin layer. When it’s about to set, push the egg gently and break it up into small pieces. Add the overnight cooked rice. Keep the heat low so that you have time to break up the lumps of rice with the wok spatula. After breaking up all the large lumps of rice, mix it with the egg. Add some light soy sauce and salt to season the rice. Add half of the XO sauce and scallion to the rice. Turn up the heat. Stir fry over high heat until smoke starts rising and the rice smells fragrant, which takes about half to one minute. Dish out. Sprinkle the remaining scallion and the XO sauce on top of the rice to serve.
3. In Stir-Fry: XO sauce works well with any savory banquet dish, from chicken to pork to beef and seafood. Dress up cashew chicken, beef with broccoli, sesame shrimp, or another favorite stir-fry with XO sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
4. As a Glaze: XO sauce can also be used as a glaze for meats such as sous vide chicken wings or roasted pork ribs.
5. In Noodle Dishes: Our favorite ways to eat XO sauce are with noodles and rice to soak every drop up. Try it in Vietnamese Sticky Rice (Xôi Mặn), Crispy Egg Noodles with Seafood (海鲜炒面), E-Fu Noodles with Roast Duck, or Char Siu Noodles (叉烧捞面) for a delicious meal.
What Is XO Sauce?
XO sauce is a luxurious condiment that originated in Hong Kong in the 1980s. It is made from dried seafood such as shrimp and scallops, aged Jinhua ham, shallots, garlic, chili, and oil. XO sauce is known for its intense umami flavor, which comes from the combination of these high-quality ingredients. Despite its name, there is no cognac in XO sauce. The name was chosen to connote its high-end pedigree and to emphasize its value and expensive nature. It can be purchased in Chinese food markets or online, but it can be quite expensive and may not have the same quality as homemade XO sauce. Making it yourself is more economical and satisfying. The ingredients are fried in hot oil and then simmered with Chinese rice wine, soy sauce, chicken stock, brown sugar, and spices until the sauce reaches the consistency of marmalade. Once made, XO sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for well over a month. It can be used sparingly as a topping on roasted vegetables, grilled meats, cooked noodles, fried rice, steamed fish, and pork ribs. It can also be used to add flavor to stir-fry dishes or as a glaze for meats such as sous vide chicken wings or roasted pork ribs. XO sauce is a versatile condiment that can add a unique and profound flavor to any dish.
XO Sauce Ingredients And History
XO sauce is a luxurious condiment that was created in Hong Kong in the 1980s. Its ingredient list includes a number of pricey items, the heavy hitters being dried seafood—primarily shrimp and scallops, and sometimes abalone— and aged Jinhua ham. For context, high-quality dried scallops can easily cost over $100 a pound. The name “XO” was chosen to connote its high-end pedigree, named after French cognac, another prized and pricey commodity popular in Hong Kong. It is important to note that there is no brandy in XO sauce, but plenty of other ingredients go into this savory seafood jam.
Crispy pork and dried seafood are constants in XO sauce, along with aromatics like shallots, ginger, garlic, and chiles. After these ingredients are fried in hot oil, they get simmered with Chinese rice wine, soy sauce, chicken stock, brown sugar, and spices until the sauce reaches the consistency of marmalade. From there, the XO can be jarred up and stored in the refrigerator for well over a month.
Store-bought XO can be overly sweet and can vary wildly in quality. Making it yourself is much more economical and satisfying. The recipe for XO sauce typically includes dried seafood such as scallops or shrimp, Jinhua ham or bacon, garlic, shallots, chilies, and spices like cinnamon and star anise. The ingredients are first soaked to rehydrate them before being chopped up and pan-fried with oil. The mixture is then simmered with Chinese cooking wine and soy sauce until thickened.
XO Sauce Flavor Profile
XO sauce is a complex and flavorful condiment that adds an umami punch to any dish. It is made from a blend of chopped seafood, sesame oil, and other ingredients that enhance the flavor of food. The sauce has a rich and savory taste with a slightly sweet undertone. It is also spicy, but not overwhelmingly so. The flavor of XO sauce is perfectly balanced, combining the taste of seafood with spicy chilies, salty oils, and savory sauces. The sauce has a unique taste and aroma that is both bold and complex. It can be used in a variety of dishes to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile. XO sauce is a must-have ingredient for any home cook who wants to elevate their dishes to the next level.
How To Store XO Sauce
Proper storage of XO sauce is essential to ensure that it stays fresh and flavorful for as long as possible. XO sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month. Make sure that the jar is sealed tightly and that all the ingredients are submerged in oil to prevent them from drying out. If there is not enough oil, add more to cover the ingredients.
If you want to store XO sauce for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to three months. Simply transfer the sauce to an airtight container and place it in the freezer. When you are ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
When storing XO sauce, keep in mind that it should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Exposure to light and heat can cause the sauce to spoil more quickly and lose its flavor.
Simple XO Sauce Recipes
XO sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some simple recipes that you can try at home:
1. XO Sauce Fried Rice: This recipe is a great way to use XO sauce to add flavor to your fried rice. Start by heating oil in a well-seasoned wok and sautéing chopped garlic until it turns fragrant and becomes lightly golden. Add beaten eggs and spread them to form a thin layer. When it’s about to set, push the egg gently and break it up into small pieces. Add overnight cooked rice and keep the heat low so that you have time to break up the lumps of rice with the wok spatula. After breaking up all the large lumps of rice, mix it with the egg. Add some light soy sauce and salt to season the rice. Add half of the XO sauce and scallion to the rice. Turn up the heat and stir fry over high heat until smoke starts rising and the rice smells fragrant, which takes about half to one minute. Dish out and sprinkle the remaining scallion and the XO sauce on top of the rice to serve.
2. XO Sauce Glazed Pork Ribs: This recipe is a great way to use XO sauce as a glaze for your roasted pork ribs. Simply brush your cooked pork ribs with XO sauce before roasting in the oven for an extra kick of flavor.
3. XO Sauce Stir Fry: XO sauce works well with any savory banquet dish, from chicken to pork to beef and seafood. Dress up cashew chicken, beef with broccoli, sesame shrimp, or another favorite stir-fry with XO sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
4. XO Sauce Noodles: Our favorite ways to eat XO sauce are with noodles and rice to soak every drop up. Try it in Vietnamese Sticky Rice (Xôi Mặn), Crispy Egg Noodles with Seafood (海鲜炒面), E-Fu Noodles with Roast Duck, or Char Siu Noodles (叉烧捞面) for a delicious meal.
Creative Ways To Use XO Sauce In Cooking
XO sauce is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of creative ways in cooking. Here are some ideas:
1. In Dips and Spreads: Mix XO sauce with mayonnaise, sour cream, or cream cheese for a flavorful dip or spread. Serve it with crackers, chips, or vegetables for a tasty appetizer.
2. In Soup: Add a spoonful of XO sauce to your favorite soup recipe for an extra layer of flavor. It works particularly well in creamy soups like tomato or pumpkin.
3. In Marinades: Mix XO sauce with oil, vinegar, and other seasonings to create a flavorful marinade for meat, poultry, or seafood. Let the meat marinate for several hours before grilling or roasting.
4. In Omelets: Add a spoonful of XO sauce to your omelet mixture for a delicious and savory breakfast dish.
5. In Sandwiches: Spread XO sauce on bread or use it as a condiment for sandwiches filled with grilled chicken, roast beef, or pork tenderloin.
6. In Pizza: Use XO sauce as a pizza sauce instead of tomato sauce for a unique and flavorful twist on traditional pizza.
7. In Salad Dressings: Mix XO sauce with oil and vinegar to create a tasty salad dressing. It works particularly well with Asian-style salads that feature ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and peanuts.
8. In Grilled Vegetables: Brush XO sauce onto grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers for a delicious and flavorful side dish.
With its complex umami flavor and versatility, XO sauce is a must-have ingredient in any kitchen. Experiment with these creative ways to use it in your cooking and discover new and exciting flavors!
