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XO Sauce

Homemade XO Sauce That Elevates Any Dish to Gourmet Status

This Homemade XO Sauce is an umami-packed delight, perfect for elevating any dish with its rich flavor.
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Sauces
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 75
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Seafood Base
  • 1 cup Dried Shrimp Rehydrated and finely chopped for best flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Dried Scallop Rehydrated and finely shredded for optimal taste.
For the Aromatics
  • 2 pieces Chili Choose large varieties to adjust spice level.
  • 5 cloves Garlic Chopped finely for even distribution.
  • 2 pieces Red Shallot Finely chopped for easier mixing.
For the Flavor Boosters
  • 1/4 cup Smoked Ham Substitute with prosciutto if unavailable.
  • 2 tablespoons Sugar Adjust to taste for perfect sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Monitor to suit overall taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Chicken Bouillon Powder Optional based on dietary preferences.
  • 1/4 cup Shaoxing Rice Wine Can be omitted for non-alcoholic version.
For the Cooking Base
  • 1 cup Oil Select a neutral or flavorful oil based on preference.
  • 2 tablespoons Chili Bean Sauce (Toban Djan) Provides a spicy kick.

Equipment

  • frying pan
  • bowl
  • Airtight jar

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for XO Sauce
  1. Soak the dried shrimp and scallops under cool water for 2 hours to remove impurities.
  2. Fry the rehydrated scallops in 1/4 cup of oil for about 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Cook the garlic, chili, and red shallots in the same pan for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Combine the fried scallops, shrimp, smoked ham, salt, sugar, bouillon, and chili bean sauce and stir well.
  5. Simmer the mixture with reserved scallop soaking water for 1 hour, stirring every 5 minutes.
  6. Add Shaoxing rice wine and cook for another 2 minutes.
  7. Store the sauce in an airtight jar, allowing it to cool before sealing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoonCalories: 75kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 100mgSugar: 1g

Notes

Store the sauce covered in oil to preserve freshness. It can last up to six months in the refrigerator or one year in the freezer.

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