Chinese Sweet and Sour Plum Sauce
Chinese Sweet and Sour Plum Sauce is a glossy, tangy condiment made primarily from plums, sugar, and vinegar, often infused with ginger or star anise for depth. Originating from various regions of China, it's a staple in Cantonese and Sichuan cuisines, used as a dipping sauce for dishes like spring rolls or as a glaze for meats.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This sauce is high in carbohydrates due to its sugar content, with minimal fat and protein. A typical tablespoon serving provides around 50-60 calories, mainly from simple sugars, and offers small amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants from the plums.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 45 kcal |
| Protein | 0.2 g |
| Carbs | 11.5 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g |
| Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
| Potassium | 35 mg |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
| Iron | 0.3 mg |
| Vitamin C | 1 mg |
| Calcium | 5 mg |
| Magnesium | 3 mg |
| Phosphorus | 8 mg |
| Manganese | 0.1 mg |
Per 2 tablespoons (36 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it embodies the Chinese culinary principle of balancing flavors—sweet, sour, and savory—to enhance meals. Nutritionally, the plums contribute natural acids and polyphenols, which can aid digestion, though the high sugar content makes it best enjoyed in moderation.
