What Is Sour Plum Sauce?
A tangy and sweet Chinese condiment made from salted plums, sugar, vinegar, ginger, and chilies, commonly served with fried foods.
What Does Sour Plum Sauce Taste Like?
Sour Plum Sauce has a tangy, sweet, salty, umami taste with fruity, aromatic (ginger/star anise) aromas.
- Taste
- Tangy, Sweet, Salty, Umami
- Texture
- Thick, Viscous, Smooth
- Aroma
- Fruity, Aromatic (ginger/star anise)
- Acidity
- Medium-High
Technical Metrics
Nutrition Facts
Per 30g (2 tbsp)Chef’s Secret
For a richer, deeper flavor, briefly warm sour plum sauce with a splash of rice wine vinegar and a pinch of star anise.
Sour Plum Sauce Substitutes & Ratios
The best substitute for Sour Plum Sauce is Duck Sauce (Sweet and Sour Sauce), used at a 1:1 ratio. Very similar sweet and tangy profile, common substitute for fried foods.
| Substitute | Ratio | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Duck Sauce (Sweet and Sour Sauce) Best | 1:1 | Very similar sweet and tangy profile, common substitute for fried foods. |
| Sweet Chili Sauce | 1:1 | Offers sweetness and tang, with added mild spice, good for dipping. |
| Apricot Jam + Vinegar + Soy Sauce | N/A (DIY blend) | A quick homemade solution to replicate sweet, fruity, and sour notes. |
| Tamarind Paste + Sugar + Water | N/A (DIY blend) | Provides an intense sour-sweet base, good for authentic Asian flavor. |
How to Choose & Store Sour Plum Sauce
- Look for sauces with "salted plum" or "prune" high on the ingredient list.
- Check for artificial colors or excessive sugar.
What Pairs Well With Sour Plum Sauce?
- Roast duck
- spring rolls
- fried chicken
- dim sum
- stir-fries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Sour Plum Sauce taste like?
Tangy, Sweet, Salty, Umami Fruity, Aromatic (ginger/star anise)
What is a good substitute for Sour Plum Sauce?
The best substitute is Duck Sauce (Sweet and Sour Sauce) (1:1). Very similar sweet and tangy profile, common substitute for fried foods.
How do you choose and store Sour Plum Sauce?
Look for sauces with "salted plum" or "prune" high on the ingredient list. Check for artificial colors or excessive sugar.