XO Sauce Recipe: Delicious Homemade Umami in 30 Mins!

Introduction

Ready to unlock a world of umami flavor? Ditch the bland and boring condiments because this **XO Sauce Recipe** will change your culinary life forever.

**XO Sauce**, a luxurious and intensely flavorful condiment from Hong Kong, is known for its complex blend of dried seafood, chilies, and aromatic spices. This **XO Sauce Recipe** takes a bit of time, but the end result is a gourmet-quality sauce that elevates everything it touches, from stir-fries and noodles to grilled vegetables and even eggs.

Curious to experience the magic of **XO Sauce**? You will love this recipe.

For more information about Chinese cuisine and ingredients, check out The Woks of Life. You can find great flavor profiles on Serious Eats.

XO Sauce Recipe

Make authentic XO Sauce at home with this surprisingly easy recipe!

Ingredient Spotlight: Decoding the Flavors of XO Sauce

Let’s explore the key ingredient is essential for a bold **XO Sauce Recipe**:

• Dried Scallops: Provides an intense umami flavor and a chewy texture.
• Dried Shrimp: Adds a briny sweetness and depth.
• Dried Chinese Ham (Jinhua ham) or Prosciutto: Lends a savory, meaty richness.
• Garlic and Shallots: Aromatics that build the foundation of the flavor.
• Red Chilies: Contribute heat and complexity. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
• Oyster Sauce and Soy Sauce: Adds a salty and savory depth.

*These are approximate values and may vary based on specific ingredient choices and serving sizes. Here’s the approximate nutritional information for one tablespoon of XO Sauce.*

Why This XO Sauce Recipe Works

This **XO Sauce Recipe** is successful for a few key reasons:

• High-Quality Ingredients: Using the best possible dried seafood and ham makes all the difference.
• Proper Soaking: Soaking the dried ingredients softens them and rehydrates them, which is essential for even cooking.
• Patience and Stirring: Cooking the ingredients slowly over medium heat, while stirring frequently, allows the flavors to develop and meld together beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your own delicious XO Sauce Recipe:

1. Soak Dried Ingredients: Soak the dried scallops and dried shrimp separately in warm water for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, until softened. Drain the scallops and shrimp, reserving the soaking liquid.
2. Prepare Dried Ingredients: Shred the scallops and coarsely chop the shrimp. If using dried Chinese ham, steam it for 20 minutes, then shred it. If using prosciutto, finely chop it.
3. Cook Aromatics: In a wok or large skillet, heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallots and cook until golden brown and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Cook Seafood and Ham: Add the shredded scallops, chopped shrimp, and shredded ham to the wok. Cook, stirring constantly, until the ingredients are golden brown and slightly crispy, about 15-20 minutes.



5. Add Seasonings: Add the chopped chilies, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar to the wok. Stir well to combine. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little of the reserved scallop and shrimp soaking liquid.
6. Simmer: Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for another 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.
7. Cool and Store: Remove from heat and let cool completely. Transfer the XO sauce to a clean jar and top with a layer of vegetable oil to help preserve it. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Tips and Tricks for the Best XO Sauce Recipe

Here are some tips to take your **XO Sauce Recipe** to the next level:

Tip: Adjust the amount of chili to your spice preference.
Why it works: XO sauce should be flavorful, so use as much or as little as you like.

Tip: Soak ingredients in the soaking water.
Why it works: This prevents the mixture from being too dry.

Tip: Remember to store in the fridge.
Why it works: You want to make sure that you have good freshness in the **XO Sauce Recipe**!

Variations and Adaptations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try with this **XO Sauce Recipe**:

Variation	Ingredients	Instructions
Vegetarian XO Sauce	Substitute seafood with dried mushrooms and dried bean curd	Follow the same steps, using vegetarian ingredients.
Spicier XO Sauce	Add more chilies or chili flakes	Increase the amount of red chilies.

Quiz: Are You a True XO Sauce Aficionado?

Test your knowledge of XO sauce with this fun quiz!

1. What is the main flavor component in the dish?
Seafood
Chili
Submit

Spread the XO Sauce Love!

Loved this recipe? Share it with your friends and family so you can spread this tasty treat!

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is XO sauce made of?

  XO sauce is made from dried scallops, dried shrimp, Chinese ham, garlic, shallots, chilies, and seasonings like oyster sauce and soy sauce. For more detailed information about XO Sauce and its uses, check out the XO Sauce FAQs Ultimate Guide.

  What does XO sauce taste like?

  It has a rich, umami-packed flavor with a balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet notes. For more details on XO Sauce, check out the Complete XO Sauce Guide.

  How do you use XO sauce?

  Use it as a condiment, stir-fry sauce, noodle topping, or dipping sauce for seafood and meats. For more tips on how to use XO Sauce, check out the Comprehensive XO Sauce Guide.

  How long does XO sauce last?

  Stored in an airtight jar in the fridge, it lasts up to 2 weeks, or longer if topped with oil. For more storage tips, check out the Comprehensive XO Sauce Overview.

  

  Conclusion: Your Gateway to Umami!

  This XO Sauce Recipe is going to be in your heart forever!

  So, let us spread this awesome taste across the internet.

  👉 Discover More Recipes on Cook & Eats