Bouillon Sauce

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: Chinese

A savory, smooth bouillon sauce with rich chicken flavor, perfect for enhancing stir-fries or rice dishes, suitable for quick weeknight dinners or comforting meals.

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Ingredients

  • 2 chicken bouillon cubes
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons oyster flavor sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dissolve the bouillon cubes in hot water and pour 3/4 cup into a small saucepan.
  2. Stir cornstarch into the remaining broth until smooth.
  3. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan, then stir in sugar and oyster flavor sauce if using.
  4. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly.

Tips & Substitutions

For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons, or mix it with an equal amount of water before adding to the pan. If you want a more complex flavor, consider adding garlic powder or a splash of soy sauce. For a vegetarian option, you can substitute vegetable bouillon cubes for the chicken ones, keeping the recipe still delicious and suitable for various diets.

Serving Suggestions

This bouillon sauce is a delightful addition to stir-fries, particularly with chicken recipes like Shrimp, Steak And Chicken Stir-Fry or Chicken And Pepper Stir-Fry. Drizzle it over steamed vegetables or use it as a dipping sauce for dumplings. It also pairs well with rice dishes, enhancing the flavor in recipes like Confidential Chat Fried Rice.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover bouillon sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain its consistency. If the sauce thickens too much during storage, add a splash of water to reach the desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Bouillon Sauce contains roughly 76 calories, with 1g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value).

76 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.1g 2% DV
Total Fat 0.2g
Carbs 18.7g 7% DV
Fiber 2.3g 8% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 6.4mg
Potassium 123.7mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 18.2mg 20% DV
Calcium 18.2mg 1% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Shellfish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh chicken broth instead of bouillon cubes?

Yes, you can replace the bouillon cubes with 1 cup of fresh chicken broth. Just skip the step of dissolving bouillon cubes in hot water. Adjust the seasoning as needed since fresh broth may have different salt levels.

Is it possible to make this sauce gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make a gluten-free version, ensure that the cornstarch is certified gluten-free and substitute oyster sauce with a gluten-free alternative or omit it altogether. This will keep the sauce flavorful while accommodating gluten-free diets.

How can I make this sauce spicier?

To add some heat to your bouillon sauce, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce while cooking. This will give it a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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