15 Easy Plum Sauce Substitutes for Any Recipe

Plum sauce is a sweet and tangy dipping sauce that is often served with Chinese food. It has become popular in the United States, especially in California, where it can be found alongside other Asian-inspired sauces for sushi, noodles, and rice dishes.

As it belongs to Cantonese cuisine, hard to find outside the china, so try out the most replicate flavorful fifteen plum sauce substitutes that can go with any Chinese and Asian dishes.

What do you use the plum sauce for? 

When you have plum sauce or do not find any shop try these similar alternative sauces, including

Duck sauce, Tkemali, Amba, Mexican Chamoy, Mumbo sauce, Hoisin, BBQ, Ketchup, Teriyaki sauce, Soy sauce, Siu Haau Sauce, and make your own at home with my super easy recipe.

Plum Sauce Substitutes

1. MAKE YOUR OWN PLUM SAUCE Alternative at Home

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make plum sauce recipe, look no further!

This simple substitute plum sauce recipe is perfect for when you can’t find the ingredients to make your favorite version or want something new.

With just four easy-to-find ingredients, you can have this tasty sauce ready in less than thirty minutes. We know you’ll love it!

The main ingredient in this recipe is plums which can be substituted with apricots or peaches, or canned plums when they are out of season.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds plums (about 6-8 medium), pitted and roughly chopped

• 1 cup white sugar

• ½ cup cider vinegar

• 2 tbsp. finely minced fresh ginger (can substitute dry ground ginger)

• 2 tsp. salt

• 1 tbsp. soy sauce

1) Combine plums, sugar, vinegar, ginger, and salt in a medium saucepan over high heat. Bring to a simmer, frequently stirring until the sugar dissolves.

2) Reduce heat and simmer until plums are soft and broken down, about 10 minutes. Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth.

3) add soy sauce and cook for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.

4) Remove from heat and allow to cool before transferring to a glass jar. Freeze at least overnight or up to 2 weeks before using.

2. DUCK SAUCE – Good Substitute for Plum Sauce

Plum sauce is closely related to another American-Chinese condiment called duck sauce. Both are commonly used in the preparation of dishes such as spare ribs, egg rolls, fried wontons, and various entrees. Both are also popular dipping sauces for deep-fried dishes.

american-chinese condiment, duck sauce is an excellent substitute for plum sauce

Plum sauce is sometimes referred to as “duck sauce” in Chinese cuisine people are not familiar with. This is because duck sauce was originally developed as a dipping sauce for bbq duck, which is a popular dish in Chinese restaurants.

3. ANY KIND OF SWEET-SOUR SAUCE

In a pinch, you can substitute any kind of sweet and sour sauce for plum sauce. Just make sure to adjust the other ingredients in the recipe accordingly.

For example, if you are using a sweeter sauce, you may want to add a little more vinegar or salt to balance out the flavors.

4. TKEMALI – Best Substitute for Plum Sauce

Tkemali is a type of sauce in Georgian cuisine. It is made from cherry plums, garlic, chili pepper, vinegar, pennyroyal, and spices similar to the original plum sauce.

Tkemali is a delicious tart plum sauce that is perfect for grilling and dipping. This easy-to-make sauce comes together in just a few minutes and can be used on everything from chicken to vegetables.

It is the best sauce for khinkali dumplings, chicken or pork stewed in a clay pot, or simply grilled meats.

If you’re searching for a unique path to add flavor to your food, tkemali is a great option.

5. MUMBO SAUCE- Decent Alternative to Plum Sauce

If you’re looking for a ready-to-take plum sauce substitute, try using mumbo sauce.

Mumbo sauce is a popular condiment in Chinese and American-Chinese cuisine. It is sweet and tangy with a spicy aftertaste. Although Mumbo sauce is a BBQ sauce, it can pair well with any deep-fried items or as a dipping sauce.

It is made with a variety of ingredients, including vinegar, sugar, spices, and sometimes fruit. While the exact ingredients vary depending on the recipe, all versions of mumbo sauce are sweet and tangy.

If you can’t find mumbo sauce at your local grocery store, you can try making it at home. There’re a number of recipes available online.

6. Try HOISIN SAUCE To Place of Plum Sauce

In a pinch, hoisin sauce can be used as a substitute for plum sauce. Hoisin Sauce is another popular dipping sauce from Cantonese cuisine, like plum sauce.

The main ingredient of Hoisin sauce is Fermented soybean paste with sugar, vinegar, chili, fennel, and other spices. Hoisin sauce has a salty with a sweet taste. So just keep in mind that the flavors will be slightly different, so you may want to adjust your recipe accordingly. 

Hoisin sauce is also popular as a black sauce for its thin black appearance. It is commonly served with seafood dishes. That’s why called seafood sauce, which you can use as a dipping sauce, marinade, glaze, etc.

7. BARBECUE SAUCE as a Plum Sauce Substitute

If you want to replace the plum sauce with barbecue sauce, start by mixing one tablespoon of plum sauce into three tablespoons of barbecue sauce.

That’ll provide you a similar flavor profile, but the barbecue sauce will add its own unique smokiness. If you are looking to create a sweeter dish, consider adding additional sugar to the mixture.

8. AMBA SAUCE- Most Suitable replacement for Plum Sauce

If you’re looking for a substitute for plum sauce, try amba sauce. Amba sauce is made from pickled mangoes and has a sweet and sour flavor that goes well with many Asian dishes.

Once you have that recipe, you can follow the instructions and swap out the plum sauce for amba sauce.

Keep in mind that amba sauce is made from pickled mangoes, so it will likely have a sweeter flavor than plum sauce. You may require to adjust the other ingredients in the recipe accordingly.

9. CHAMOY – Suitable Substitution for Plum Sauce

In Mexico, chamoy is a popular sauce made from pickled fruit. It is usually utilized as a condiment or dipping sauce for various snacks and dishes.

Chamoy can be made from different fruits, but the most common variety is made with apricots. The sauce is typically sweet, sour, and spicy all at the same time.

The sauce is made by simmering dried chiles, fruits, and spices in water. Once the mixture has simmered, it is strained and then sweetened with sugar or other sweeteners.

Chamoy can be used as a condiment on fruits and vegetables, as a dipping sauce for snacks such as chips or pretzels, or even as a marinade for meats. It is also a popular ingredient in many Mexican desserts and drinks like a michelada.

If you’re searching to add a little extra flavor to your next meal or snack, give chamoy sauce a try!

10. Try TERIYAKI SAUCE Substitute for Chinese plum sauce

substitute Teriyaki sauce is a popular type of Japanese sauce that is a delicious way to add flavor to many different dishes.

Try it on grilled chicken or fish, in a stir-fry, or even as a dipping sauce for sushi. It’s also great as a marinade or glazes for meat or vegetables before cooking, just like plum sauce.

Teriyaki sauce is prepared with soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and ginger. It has a similar sweetness and acidity to plum sauce. You can use teriyaki sauce in any recipe that calls for plum sauce.

Teriyaki sauce is readily available in most supermarkets, but it is also easy to make at home.

To make your own teriyaki sauce,

Simply combine soy sauce, mirin, and sugar in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook the mixture, occasionally stirring, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is thick and syrupy. Withdraw from the heat and allow to cool slightly before using. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Other Plum Sauce Alternatives

11. Ketchup as a Plum Sauce Substitute

If you are looking for an even easier plum sauce substitute, consider using ketchup.

Ketchup is a sweet tomato-based condiment that can be used in the same ratio as hoisin sauce or barbecue sauce. This is a great substitute for those who do not have access to any of these condiments, but it will add a different flavor profile to your dish.

Those who are looking for a sweet and sour flavor profile will want to use one tablespoon of plum sauce in place of one tablespoon of ketchup.

12. SOY SAUCE Subs for Plum Sauce

Soy sauce is another best and most versatile condiment used in place of plum sauce; use Sweet or Dark sauce. You may not get the exact equal flavor, but it will be a decent stand-in.

soy sauce is one of the best and most versatile condiment used as a alternative for plum sauce

It is made from soybeans, salt, water, and wheat. Soy sauce has a salty, umami flavor that is similar to the plum sauce. It can be utilized as a dipping sauce, marinade, or stir-fry seasoning.

13. XO SAUCE

Xo sauce is a popular Chinese condiment made from chili peppers, garlic, and fermented soybeans. It is commonly used in stir-fries and as a dipping sauce. Xo sauce is also a good alternative to plum sauce. Try it in your next recipe!

14. SIU HAAU SAUCE – Use Place of Chinese Plum Sauce 

Siu Haau Sauce is a popular BBQ condiment in Cantonese cuisine. It is produced from soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and chili peppers.

Siu haau sauce is not a great substitute for plum sauce. It has a similar sweetness and thickness, making it perfect for a glaze. Also, it’s easy to find in most grocery stores.

15. CHINESE BBQ SAUCE

Please substitute Chinese BBQ sauce for the plum sauce in the following recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar or its alternatives
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons Chinese BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Instructions:

Take a small bowl, and whisk together hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, Chinese BBQ sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.

1. Warm the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray.

2. In a small bowl, stir together Chinese BBQ sauce, plum sauce, sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and garlic powder.

3. Place chicken breasts in the baking dish and spread with the sauce.

4. Bake for 30 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly done.

5. Withdraw from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve with rice and steamed vegetables. Enjoy!

Substitute for Korean plum sauce

Korean plum sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used in many different ways.

1) A good substitute for Korean plum sauce is a mixture of honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This mixture can be utilized as a marinade for meat or fish, a dipping sauce for sushi or spring rolls, or a glaze for chicken or pork.

2) A homemade Korean plum sauce is easier to make than one might think. Ingredients include 1 cup of pitted plums, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of thinly sliced ginger root, and 2 teaspoons of thinly sliced garlic cloves, and kosher salt.

Mix well all ingredients except for salt in a blender or food processor to make the sauce. Blend until puréed.

Pour into a non-reactive saucepan and heat over medium, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook until the mixture thickens slightly, 5-7 minutes.

Season the sauce with salt when it has thickened, and stir to combine. Remove from heat and serve warm.

The sauce can be frozen in a covered container for up to 1 week.

3) Or use any subs above listed.

Green plum sauce substitute

There are many different green plum sauce substitutes that you can use.

Some of the most popular substitutes include:

  • -Hot chili sauce
  • -Soy sauce
  • -Hoisin sauce
  • -Tamarind sauce
  • -Tomato ketchup
  • -Peanut butter
  • -Honey

This sauce can be used in cooking or at the dinner table. It makes a wonderful dipping sauce for chicken nuggets, French fries, egg rolls, and spring rolls. Kids love to dip their food in this sauce!

What is Plum Sauce? What is a plum sauce made of?

Plum sauce is a common type of sauce that is used in Chinese cuisine, typically Cantonese cuisine. It is produced from sweet plums, vinegar, sugar, various spices, and other fruits like apricot, peach, pineapple, etc.

That’s why Plum sauce is sweet fruity tone and sour at the same time. It is used as a dipping sauce, deep-fried dishes, or condiment. It is often served with chicken, duck, or pork.

Plum sauce can also be utilized as a dipping sauce for certain types of appetizers or dim sum, also deep-fried crispy chicken, roasted duck, noodles, and most popular spring rolls.

In Western cooking, it is usually utilized as a glaze for barbecuing. In the United States, many grocery stores carry plum sauce.

Plum sauce ingredients

  • · Sweet plums
  • · Other fruits, including peach, pineapple, or apricot,
  • · sugar,
  • · vinegar,
  • · salt,
  • · ginger and
  • · chili peppers

What sauce is like plum sauce?

Plum sauce is like an American-Chinese sweet-sour fruit sauce that is Duck sauce. 

Tkemali, a Georgian Plum sauce another similar to the plum sauce. Chamoy is a Mexican flavorful fruit sauce.

Any kind of sweet and sour sauce is similar to Plum sauce like Amba Sauce. 

Stay with me and find more like plum sauce, so you don’t worry while you don’t have it.

Bottom Line Substitutes for Chinese Plum Sauce

Plum sauce is a delicious condiment that belongs to Chinese- Cantonese cuisine and can be used in many different ways. It is ideal for adding flavor to chicken, pork, or beef dishes.

However, if you’re looking for a substitute for plum sauce, there are several options available.

For exact replication of flavor, try Amba sauce, Mexican Chamoy, Georgian Tkemali, Duck Sauce, or any sweet-sour sauce. Try out my simple plum sauce recipe if you don’t have time to buy any of these.

You can also use hoisin sauce, teriyaki sauce, barbecue sauce, or even ketchup or soy sauce as a substitute.

Each of these sauces will add its own unique flavors to your dish. So don’t let the absence of plum sauce keep you from making your favorite Asian-inspired recipes! There are plenty of other great substitutes available.

FAQs Related to Chinese Plum Sauce & Its Alternatives

Q1. Is hoisin and plum sauce the same?

No, they are not the same. Hoisin sauce is a type of Chinese sauce made from soybeans, while plum sauce is a type of Chinese sauce made from plums.

Both sauces are used primarily in Asian cooking. Their flavors are much different, however. Hoisin sauce is saltier and thicker, while the plum sauce is tart and sweet.

Both sauces are often used as glazes on meats, roasted vegetables, or added to stir-fry dishes, but they can be used for very different flavors. Hoisin sauce is great on Asian-style chicken, ribs, or duck, while plum sauce would work very well on light fish or seafood.

Q2. Where do you find plum sauce?

There are some places you can find plum sauce. You can usually find it in the international aisle of your local grocery store, or you can order it online.

Some popular brands of plum sauce include Lee Kum Kee, Kikkoman plum sauce, Minors sweet-spicy plum sauce, and Dynasty check here for more.

Q3. What is plum sauce in Canada?

Canadian plum sauce is very popular among Chinese Canadians, but not so much with the rest of the population. They also use the same plum sauce belonging to Cantonese cuisine.

Q4. Is sweet and sour sauce the same as plum sauce?

Yes. Plum sauce comes under the sweet-sour sauce category. If you can’t find plum sauce, you may use any sweet-sour sauce for it. The flavor may vary.

Q5. Why is hoisin called plum sauce?

Hoisin is a type of Chinese sauce. In the UK, it’s called plum sauce because that’s what supermarkets named it after they started selling it.

In the USA, on the other hand, hoisin sauce is called “hoisin sauce,” with no additional adjectives.

Q6. Can I use hoisin sauce instead of the plum extract?

Hoisin sauce will not work as a substitute for the extract. The flavor profile of the two is quite different, and I don’t think it would be a good substitute. Using hoisin sauce will likely change the flavor of the recipe quite a bit.

But hoisin sauce is a great replacement for the plum sauce above mention.

Q7. Substitute for plums in a recipe.

Some possible substitutes for plums in a recipe include apricots, figs, and dates. You can check some ideal Dates substitutes as well.

Q8. can you substitute plum sauce for hoisin sauce?

Yes, you can. They are both similar sauces but have different flavors. Hoisin sauce is sweeter, whereas plum sauce is more tart, salty, and spicy.

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