Plum Sauce (thing)

A sauce used widely in Chinese food, especially with wrap-style dishes such as Peking Duck and certain dim sum, as well as Chinese roasts such as roast pork, duck and goose. It is very sweet and has a smooth texture, not unlike Oyster Sauce. It is a very rich sauce, so don't use too much of it at once. Sometimes mixed with a sour sauce to balance its sweetness. I especially like it with Green Onion Pancakes.

Ingredients (makes about 1 1/4 cups)

• 12-ounce jar of plum preserves
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon minced onion
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Cooking

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, then simmer a few minutes to blend flavors.
2. Let it cool, then chill. Tastes best if refrigerated, covered, overnight to allow seasonings to mellow. Serve chilled.