Orange Sauce(Very Good Over Ham)
A bright, tangy orange sauce with a sweet and citrusy flavor, perfect for glazing ham or drizzling over poultry and seafood for a flavorful boost.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan.
- Stir in orange juice and cook until thick and clear, stirring constantly.
- Add grated orange peel and cook for another minute.
- Serve warm or chilled over ham or other dishes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Grand Marnier or another orange liqueur to the sauce. If you need a lower-sugar option, you can substitute sugar with a sugar alternative like erythritol or stevia. Additionally, if you don't have fresh orange peel, a few drops of orange extract can be used as a substitute for a more concentrated orange flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This orange sauce pairs beautifully with ham, making it a perfect addition to your holiday table. It can also complement roasted chicken or pork. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. You might also enjoy it drizzled over desserts like vanilla ice cream or pancakes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover orange sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until it reaches the desired consistency. If it thickens too much, you can add a splash of orange juice to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Sauce(Very Good Over Ham) contains roughly 63 calories, with 1g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 781mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
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 make this orange sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the orange sauce a day in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste when it's time to enjoy it over ham or other dishes.
What can I use if I don't have orange juice?
If you don't have orange juice, you can substitute it with other citrus juices like tangerine or grapefruit. For a non-citrus alternative, apple juice or even a light flavored syrup can work, though the flavor profile will change slightly. Adjust the sugar accordingly based on the sweetness of the alternative juice.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this orange sauce is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. It's a great option for those following vegan recipes. Just ensure that any additional ingredients you might add, like liqueurs, are also vegan-friendly.
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).