Orange Sauce Recipe

This easy homemade orange sauce recipe is sweet, tangy, and perfect for adding bold citrus flavor to chicken, shrimp, or stir-fry. Learn how to make orange sauce with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a quick takeout-style favorite right at home.

If you’ve ever wanted to take your favorite savory dishes to the next level, this orange sauce recipe is your new go-to. Made with fresh oranges, garlic, ginger, and a touch of heat, it’s glossy, tangy, and versatile enough to use as a glaze with my smoked duck wings, a marinade for grilled chicken lolipops, or even a dipping sauce. Forget takeout! Once you try your own easy to make orange sauce at home, you’ll never look back.

Why You’ll Love This Orange Sauce Recipe

• Takeout flavor at home: It has the same sticky-sweet taste you love in Chinese food, but brighter thanks to fresh orange juice and orange zest.
• Perfect balance: Honey (or brown sugar), soy sauce, and chili create a blend of sweet, savory, and just the right amount of heat.
• Quick and versatile: Ready in under 15 minutes, this sauce transforms everyday proteins and vegetables into something crave-worthy.

Ingredients for Homemade Orange Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own orange sauce:

• Orange juice + orange zest – Fresh oranges, like a navel orange, give the best citrusy punch.
• Honey or brown sugar – Either sweetener works; honey adds floral notes, while brown sugar adds depth.
• Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar – Provides acidity to balance the sweetness.
• Soy sauce – Adds saltiness and umami; coconut aminos work as a gluten-free alternative.
• Thai sweet chili sauce + chili flakes – Layers of sweetness and heat; adjust spice level to taste.
• Garlic + fresh ginger – The flavor base for most Asian-inspired sauces.
• Cornstarch slurry – Thickens the sauce into a glossy glaze.

These pantry staples come together to create a homemade orange sauce that tastes fresher and more customizable than anything you’ll find in a bottle.

How to Make Orange Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, honey (or brown sugar), vinegar, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.
2. Simmer & Thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly reduced. Add the cornstarch slurry and simmer for another 1–2 minutes until glossy.
3. Use as Desired: Brush the sauce over grilled meats, toss it with roasted vegetables, or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side. Try it on smoked duck breast or duck wings, too!

That’s it! Just three easy steps, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy glaze to use as desired.

Ways to Use This Sauce

• As a glaze: Brush over smoked duck wings or smoked duck breast, beer can chicken, or smoked chicken legs, or my smoked pulled ham (holiday friendly).
• Vegetarian-friendly: Toss with crispy tofu or stir-fried vegetables for a plant-based option.
• Drizzle or dip: Spoon over rice bowls or serve as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or my grilled bang bang shrimp.
• Savory and sweet balance: Works beautifully with savory dishes while still feeling indulgent.

Make Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Instructions

Yes, you can absolutely make orange sauce ahead of time! Once cooled, transfer it to a glass jar or an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to one week. To reheat, warm it gently in a saucepan with a splash of cold water to loosen the consistency if needed.

This make-ahead trick is perfect for meal prep nights when you want quick flavor without fuss. Whether you’re glazing duck meat, seasoning chicken, or adding a pop of citrus to roasted vegetables, having a jar of orange sauce ready to go is a game-changer.

More Sauce Recipes To Try

Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Chicago Mild Sauce

Cranberry BBQ Sauce

Red Chimichurri Sauce