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–+ servings
XO Sauce

Umami Bliss: Elevate Dishes with XO Sauce at Home

Homemade XO Sauce is a luxurious umami condiment that transforms dishes, featuring dried scallops and shrimp for deep flavor.
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 1 hour
Rehydration Time 2 hours
Total Time 5 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Sauces
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Seafood Base
  • 100 g Dried Shrimp Adds a deep seafood flavor and umami
  • 100 g Dried Scallop Brings richness and texture
For the Aromatics
  • 1 large Chili Choose based on heat tolerance
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is recommended
  • 2 medium Red Shallot Yellow onion is a suitable substitute
For the Savory Elements
  • 100 g Smoked Ham Traditionally Jinhua ham is used
  • 1 tsp Chicken Bouillon Powder Consider mushroom bouillon for vegetarian option
For the Sauce
  • 200 ml Oil Use neutral oils like canola
  • 2 tbsp Sugar Adjust depending on your palate
  • 1 tsp Salt Use judiciously for balance
  • 50 ml Shaoxing Rice Wine Dry sherry is an acceptable substitute
  • 2 tbsp Chili Bean Sauce Contributes additional spice

Equipment

  • Pan
  • Bowl
  • airtight jar

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for XO Sauce
  1. Soak the dried shrimp and scallops in cool water for 2 hours or overnight to remove impurities.
  2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat, fry the shredded scallops for about 5 minutes until golden and crispy, and strain from oil.
  3. In the reserved oil, sauté minced garlic, chopped chili, and sliced shallots for approximately 3 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Incorporate the fried scallops, rehydrated shrimp, and diced smoked ham, seasoning with salt, sugar, chicken bouillon powder, and chili bean sauce.
  5. Pour reserved soaking water into the pan, bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 1 hour, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking.
  6. Mix in Shaoxing rice wine and cook for an additional 2 minutes, then transfer sauce to an airtight jar for storage.

Nutrition

Serving: 30gCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 150mgSugar: 3gCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best flavor, follow storage tips and adjust spice levels according to taste preferences.

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