Easy XO Sauce Recipe

So what is XO sauce, anyway? XO sauce is a Chinese sauce made from chopped seafood, sesame oil and a rich blend of other ingredients that enhance food with a strong flavor. Here I created an easy, no-cook xo sauce recipe that still has all of that umami flavor with less hassle and less steps.

Ingredients

Most recipes use dried seafood, but I've substituted the dried seafood with canned shrimp and scallops for a different (and less time-consuming) spin on it.

• canned shrimp
• canned scallops - If you can’t find canned scallops, replace them with 1 extra tablespoon of finely chopped canned shrimp.
• oyster sauce
• chili garlic sauce
• sesame oil
• soy sauce
• fish sauce

Every ingredient in this recipe is perfectly balanced to combine the flavor of seafood with spicy chilies, salty oils and savory sauces. When I was testing this recipe, we thought it was one of the best XO sauce versions we'd ever tasted, despite not using the dried seafood. It still has that umami flavor that XO sauce is all about!

How to Make it

Like I said earlier, this version is easier than the traditional because you do not need to cook it and less tools are required. All you need to do is:

1. Mix everything together in a small bowl.
2. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

If you're not sure how to use XO sauce, this condiment is fairly versatile. You can add it to noodle dishes and stir fries, use it to flavor plain rice or as a dipping sauce. Add it to your favorite Asian dishes for a taste of the coast. This sauce also pairs well with fresh fish and cooked vegetables.

You can even add it to hamburgers for a truly eclectic Asian-inspired dish. Just make sure you use it sparingly, as XO sauce has a very strong flavor. A little sauce goes a long way in the kitchen.

Once you've mastered the art of making XO sauce, you can experiment with other authentic Chinese ingredients to put your own twist on this classic condiment. Some suggested ingredients include chopped Jinhua ham, ginger, chilies, brown sugar, etc. Just make sure you use a delicate touch, as a single ingredient can alter the flavor of this sauce.

Storage

To store your sauce, simply pour it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks.

What's your favorite way to serve XO sauce? Do you stick with authentic Chinese dishes or do you prefer experimenting with different cuisines in a fusion-style? Let me know in the comments and if you enjoyed it, please share the recipe!

📋Recipe