There are a few situations in life where we just can’t have the original. The same goes for food. No matter how much we might love plum sauce, sometimes there just isn’t any around or we’re feeling creative and want to try something new.
This is where substitutes come in handy! In this article, we’ll discuss 11 great substitutes for plum sauce that will give you perfect results every time.
Substitutes for Plum Sauce
- Ketchup
- Hoisin sauce
- Soy sauce
- Teriyaki sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Sweet and sour sauce
- Honey
- Sriracha sauce
- Tamarind paste
- Plum jam
- Apricot jam
Ketchup
Plum sauce and ketchup may seem like odd bedfellows, but they have a lot in common. Both are thick, sweet-and-sour sauces made from fruit (or, in the case of ketchup, tomatoes).
They also share a similar ratio of sugar to acidity, which makes ketchup a suitable substitute for plum sauce in some recipes. Of course, there are also some key differences between the two sauces.
Plum sauce is typically made with fresh plums, while ketchup is made with tomatoes that have been cooked and then preserved in vinegar. As a result, plum sauce has a fresher, brighter flavor than ketchup.
Additionally, plum sauce usually contains ginger and other spices, while ketchup does not. Nevertheless, in a pinch, ketchup can be used as a substitute for plum sauce.
Just be aware that your dish will have a slightly different flavor than if you had used the traditional ingredient.
Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce is a popular condiment in Chinese cuisine, and it can be used as a substitute for plum sauce. Both sauces are sweet and sticky, and they have a similar ratio of sugar to vinegar.
However, there are some differences between the two sauces. Hoisin sauce is made with soybeans, whereas plum sauce is made with plums.
In addition, plum sauce typically contains spices such as cloves and cinnamon, whereas hoisin sauce does not. Despite these differences, hoisin sauce can be used as a successful substitute for plum sauce in many recipes.
When substituted in the same ratio, hoisin sauce will provide a similar sweetness and consistency to plum sauce. So if you’re out of plum sauce and need a suitable replacement, reach for the hoisin sauce!
Soy Sauce
If you’re out of plum sauce but still craving that sweet and savory flavor, don’t despair – soy sauce can be a handy substitute. Just mix it with some sugar and vinegar in a ratio of 1:1:1, and you’ll have a delicious condiment that’s perfect for dipping or adding to stir-fries.
Of course, there are some differences between soy sauce and plum sauce – plum sauce is sweeter and thicker, while soy sauce is saltier and thinner.
However, the two sauces share many similarities, such as their brown color and tangy taste.
So next time you’re in a pinch, reach for the soy sauce – it may not be the same as plum sauce, but it’s a close enough approximation that your taste buds won’t be able to tell the difference.
Teriyaki Sauce
If you’re ever in a pinch and need a plum sauce substitute, teriyaki sauce is a great option.
While there are some differences between the two sauces – plum sauce is typically sweeter, while teriyaki sauce has more of a savory flavor – they share many similarities.
Both sauces are made with ginger and garlic, and they both have a slightly thick consistency. In terms of ratio, you’ll want to use about 1/2 cup of teriyaki sauce for every 1 cup of plum sauce called for in a recipe.
With its similar flavor profile, teriyaki sauce makes a great substitution for plum sauce in most cases.
BBQ Sauce
BBQ sauce and plum sauce are two condiments that are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences between the two.
For one, BBQ sauce is typically sweeter than plum sauce, so you may need to adjust the ratio if you’re using it as a substitute. Additionally, BBQ sauce often contains smoky flavors whereas plum sauce is more savory.
That said, there are some similarities between the two sauces – they both have a thick, sticky consistency and can be used as a dipping sauce or glaze.
So if you’re in a pinch and need a substitute for plum sauce, reach for the BBQ sauce. Just be sure to taste it first and adjust the ratio as needed.
Sweet and Sour Sauce
While many people think of sweet and sour sauce as a take-out staple, it can be used as a substitute for plum sauce in many recipes.
The ratio of sweet to sour is similar, so the sauce can provide the same balance of flavors. In addition, the acidity in the vinegar helps to tenderize meat, making it an ideal replacement for plum sauce in stir-fries or marinades.
And because plum sauce is often used as a glaze or dipping sauce, sweet and sour sauce can be used in its place without compromising the flavor of the dish.
So next time you’re looking for a substitute for plum sauce, reach for the sweet and sour sauce instead. You may be surprised at how well it works.
Honey
When it comes to ratio, honey is the perfect substitute for plum sauce. Just swap out the same amount of honey for plum sauce and you’re good to go. The sweetness of the honey will perfectly balance out the savory flavors in your dish.
Honey is also a great substitute if you’re looking to add a touch of sweetness to your dish. Plum sauce can sometimes be too tart or sour, but honey will add just the right amount of sweetness.
Plus, the health benefits of using honey instead of sugar are well-documented.
So if you’re looking to cut down on your sugar intake, using honey as a substitute for plum sauce is a great way to do it.
Sriracha Sauce
Sriracha sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in place of plum sauce in many recipes. While the two sauces have different flavors, Sriracha can often be used as a 1:1 ratio substitute for plum sauce.
In addition, Sriracha has the added benefits of being lower in sugar and calories. As a result, it can be a healthier option for those watching their waistline.
So next time you’re in the mood for plum sauce, reach for the Sriracha instead! Your body will thank you.
Tamarind Paste
Tamarind paste is a great substitute for plum sauce. It has a similar sweetness and acidic tang, but with a deeper flavor. Plus, it’s easy to find in most grocery stores.
If you’re looking for an exact ratio, use 1:1 tamarind paste to plum sauce. But if you want to get creative, you can experiment with different ratios to find the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness for your taste buds.
So next time you’re making stir fry or sweet and sour chicken, reach for the tamarind paste instead of plum sauce. Your taste buds will thank you!
Plum Jam
Plum sauce is a sticky, sweet-and-sour condiment that can be made from scratch or purchased at most Asian markets. Plum jam is a perfectly acceptable substitute for plum sauce, and it has several advantages.
First of all, plum jam is much easier to find than plum sauce.
Secondly, it’s cheaper to use plum jam as a substitute because you don’t have to buy any special ingredients – just pick up a jar of jam at the store.
Finally, the ratio of sugar to other ingredients is already perfected in plum jam, so you don’t have to worry about making your sauce too sweet or too tart.
Apricot Jam
If you’re in a pinch and need a plum sauce substitute, apricot jam is a good option. Here’s a ratio to use:
For every 1 cup of plum sauce, replace it with 3/4 cup apricot jam and 1/4 cup water.
The benefits of using apricot jam as a substitute are that it’s easier to find and usually less expensive than plum sauce. Plus, it still has that sweetness and tang that plum sauce is known for. So if you’re in a bind, don’t fret – apricot jam to the rescue!
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several different substitutes for plum sauce that you can use in your recipes. So next time you’re in a bind, don’t worry – just reach for one of these substitutes and you’ll be on your way to perfect results every time.
Do you have a favorite substitute for plum sauce?
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