XO Sauce
XO sauce is a luxurious, savory condiment originating from Hong Kong, celebrated for its rich, umami-packed flavor. It's typically made from a base of dried seafood (like scallops and shrimp), chili peppers, garlic, and shallots, slow-cooked in oil. Often referred to as 'caviar of the East,' it's used to elevate stir-fries, noodles, and rice dishes.
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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
XO sauce is very high in fat due to its oil-based preparation, with a moderate amount of protein from the dried seafood. A single tablespoon provides a significant boost of umami and sodium, along with trace minerals, and contains roughly 50-70 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 60 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbs | 1 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
| Zinc | 0.8 mg |
| Selenium | 10 µg |
| Copper | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.5 µg |
| Niacin (B3) | 1.5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 30 mg |
| Magnesium | 5 mg |
Per 1 tablespoon (15 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, XO sauce symbolizes luxury and culinary craftsmanship in Cantonese cuisine, with 'XO' denoting extra quality. Nutritionally, the dried seafood offers a concentrated source of protein and minerals like zinc and iron, though its high sodium content means it's best used as a flavor enhancer rather than a main ingredient.
AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms