by Caitlin Shoemaker
published on
GFGluten Free
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Better than takeout, this Healthy Orange Sauce Recipe is free from Gluten, Preservatives, and Refined Sugar! Use it with your favorite protein source for a tasty and easy dinner.
Goodbye, takeout. And hello, Healthy Orange Sauce!
Sweet, Sticky, and oh-so-flavorful, Orage Sauce is one of those things that is justsosatisfying. Whether you’re going out to eat at a Chinese restaurant or chilling with a takeout box while watching Netflix, I’m pretty sure most of us have enjoyed it at one point or another.
The one thing I really don’t like about Orange Sauce? The ingredients —oops. Okay, let’s clarify: I’m all for the yummy Orange, salty Soy, and tangy Garlic flavors, but the refined sugar and preservatives? Yeah, I’ll pass on those.
That’s why I created thishealthy Orange Sauce recipe to share with you all! This version is refined sugar free,but still tastes just like the original condiment we all know and love. Plus it’s made from only10 plant-based ingredients!
I also tested two different varieties of this sauce – one usingMaple Syrup, and the other usingMedjool Dates as the natural sweetener. As you can see in the image below, the Maple Syrup (left) version looks a lot more like a traditional Orange Sauce, while the version sweetened with Dates (right) is a lot thicker. I personally preferred the sauce made with Maple Syrup, but have included both versions in the recipe below!
Whether you’re using this sauce in some Orange Tofu Buddha Bowls, or just using it as a condiment with some steamed veggies and rice, you’re sure to love this recipe! It’s great for Meal Prep too – make a batch of it at the beginning of the week, and it’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 10 days.
Finally, if you make this recipe and decide to share it on Facebook or Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @FromMyBowl + #FromMyBowl! I love seeing your delicious recreations 🙂
Healthy Orange Sauce (Refined Sugar Free)
Better than takeout, this Healthy Orange Sauce Recipe is free from Gluten, Preservatives, and Refined Sugar! Use it with your favorite protein source for a tasty and easy dinner.
- Author: Caitlin Shoemaker
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: ~ 2 1/2 cups
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup Maple Syrup (see notes for option with Dates)
- 1 cup Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice, with pulp (about 4–5 oranges)
- Zest of 1 Orange (about 1 tsp)
- ¼ cup + 1 tbsp Reduced Sodium Tamari (see notes for substitutions)
- ¼ cup Rice Vinegar
- 3 cloves Garlic
- ¾ of a small Yellow Onion
- ½” knob of Ginger (no need to peel)
- Pinch of Red Chile Flakes, optional
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch, Arrowroot, or Tapioca powder (I used Cornstarch)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients, except for the Cornstarch, to a blender and process for 60 seconds, or until smooth.
- Pour the Orange Sauce into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring if the sauce starts to “bubble over.”
- Mix the Cornstarch with a small splash of Water in a small bowl.
- Once the Orange Sauce starts to boil, reduce the heat to low-medium, keeping a simmer.
- Pour the Cornstarch mixture into the saucepan, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until noticeably thickened. Stir the mixture frequently to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pan. (Note: Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken more as it cools!)
- Once the sauce reaches room temperature, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days.
Notes
- To make this sauce with Medjool Dates instead, omit the Maple Syrup and add 1 cup of pitted & packed Dated to the blender with the remaining ingredients. The resulting sauce will be a lot thicker, so you do not need to cook it on the stovetop. I would, however, suggest that you heat it up with your veggies or protein before you use it, to cook off some of the raw garlic and onion flavors.
- Orange Juice from a carton may be used instead of Fresh Orange Juice, but this will affect the final flavor.
- Tamari may be substituted with Soy Sauce (not GF), Liquid Aminos, or Coconut Aminos.
Want to save this Healthy Chinese Orange Sauce for later? Pin the recipe to your Pinterest boards:
