Best Duck Sauce Recipe

If you ask me, homemade duck sauce is so much better than those little packets you get with takeout.

This sweet and tangy sauce brings back memories of Chinese restaurant favorites, but it’s surprisingly simple to make right in your kitchen. Fresh apricots (or preserves) mix with basic pantry ingredients like apple juice, rice vinegar, and soy sauce.

I’ve been making this sauce for years, and it’s become my go-to condiment for everything from egg rolls to grilled chicken. The natural fruit sweetness balances perfectly with the mild spices and hint of ginger.

It’s a fridge-friendly sauce that keeps well for weeks, perfect for whenever you’re craving those takeout flavors at home.

duck sauce recipe
Image: mollyshomeguide.com / Photographer Molly

Why You’ll Love This Duck Sauce

  • Quick 5-minute preparation – This homemade duck sauce comes together in just minutes – simply mix the ingredients and you’re done!
  • Simple pantry ingredients – Most of these ingredients are already in your kitchen, making it easy to whip up whenever you need it for your favorite Asian dishes.
  • Better than takeout – Skip those little packets from the restaurant – this fresh homemade version has no preservatives or artificial ingredients.
  • Money-saving recipe – Making your own duck sauce costs a fraction of what you’d spend on store-bought versions, and you can make exactly the amount you need.

What Kind of Apricot Preserves Should I Use?

For duck sauce, regular store-bought apricot preserves work perfectly fine – you don’t need to hunt down anything fancy. Look for preserves that are smooth rather than chunky, as this will give your sauce the right consistency without extra blending. If you can only find chunky preserves, just give them a quick whirl in the food processor before using. Most major brands like Smucker’s or Bonne Maman will do the job nicely, but try to pick one that lists fruit as the first ingredient rather than sugar for the best flavor. Just make sure your preserves are fresh and haven’t been sitting in the back of your pantry for too long, as this can affect the taste of your final sauce.

duck sauce recipe
Image: mollyshomeguide.com / Photographer Molly

Options for Substitutions

Making duck sauce at home is pretty flexible, and you can try these substitutions if you don’t have all the ingredients:

  • Apricot preserves: This is the base of the sauce, but you can use peach preserves, plum jam, or even apple butter. Each will give a slightly different but equally good flavor.
  • Rice vinegar: If you’re out of rice vinegar, try apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Just use a bit less since these are slightly stronger.
  • Soy sauce: You can swap this with tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a soy-free version. If using coconut aminos, you might want to add a pinch of salt since it’s less salty than soy sauce.
  • Ground ginger: Fresh grated ginger works great here – use about 1/2 teaspoon. In a pinch, you can skip it, though you’ll miss some of that classic zip.
  • Pickled Chinese plum: Since this is optional anyway, you can leave it out or add a tiny splash of plum sauce if you have it.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making duck sauce is using cold apricot preserves straight from the fridge, which can make them difficult to blend – instead, let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Getting the balance of sweet and tangy flavors right is crucial, so always add the vinegar and soy sauce gradually, tasting as you go, rather than dumping everything in at once. To achieve the signature smooth consistency of restaurant-style duck sauce, make sure to blend or process the mixture thoroughly, especially if you’re including the optional Chinese plum, as any chunks will affect the dipping experience. For the best flavor development, let your sauce rest in the fridge for at least an hour before serving, allowing all the ingredients to meld together properly.

duck sauce recipe
Image: mollyshomeguide.com / Photographer Molly

What to Serve With Duck Sauce?

This sweet and tangy homemade duck sauce is perfect for dipping all your favorite Asian-inspired appetizers! Crispy egg rolls and spring rolls are classic pairings that taste even better with a generous dollop of this sauce on the side. You can also serve it alongside wontons, dumplings, or use it as a glaze for grilled chicken or roasted duck. For a fun appetizer spread, try setting out this sauce with some crispy wonton strips, fried noodles, or even French fries – it’s surprisingly good as an alternative to ketchup!

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Your homemade duck sauce will stay good in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The vinegar and preserves help keep it fresh, and the flavors actually blend together nicely after a day or two in the fridge.

Make Ahead: This sauce is perfect for making ahead! You can whip up a batch and keep it ready to go whenever you need it. It’s great to have on hand for quick meals or when you’re planning a Chinese takeout-style dinner at home.

Tips: Give the sauce a good stir before using it, as some separation might occur during storage. If it becomes too thick in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or add a tiny splash of warm water and stir to reach your desired consistency.

Preparation Time 5-10 minutes
Cooking Time 0-0 minutes
Total Time 5-10 minutes
Level of Difficulty Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

  • Calories: 150-200
  • Protein: 0-1 g
  • Fat: 0-1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37-40 g

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup apricot preserves
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 pickled chinese plum, pitted (optional)

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, stir together the apricot jam, rice vinegar, soy sauce, powdered ginger, and garlic.

These ingredients will create a flavorful sauce with a lovely balance of sweet and savory notes.

Step 2: Integrate the Plum (Optional)

If you are using a plum, use a fork to squish it into the sauce mixture.

This will add a unique and enhanced fruity flavor to your sauce, making it even more delightful.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Mix the sauce well and taste it to evaluate its balance.

If needed, adjust the flavor by adding more rice vinegar for tartness or sugar for sweetness to achieve the perfect sweet-tart contrast according to your preference.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once you are satisfied with the taste, your sauce is ready to be served.

Pour it over your favorite dish or use it as a dipping sauce.

Savor the harmonious blend of flavors you’ve created!

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