Are you a fan of Chinese food? Do you love that deep umami flavor in your stir-fries and fried rice? Then you must be familiar with Chinese gravy or sauce! Made from a blend of soy sauce, stock or bouillon, and cornstarch, this versatile sauce can be used to add richness, depth, and thickness to any dish. And the best part? It's only 42 calories per 100 g!

Apart from its low-calorie count, Chinese gravy or sauce is also a good source of protein, iron, and magnesium. Just make sure to use it in moderation as it can be high in sodium.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at Chinese gravy or sauce - its ingredients, how to make it, nutritional information, and more. So, if you're ready to take your Chinese cuisine to the next level, read on!

What is Chinese Gravy or Sauce?

Chinese gravy or sauce is a thick and savory sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It is made from a mixture of soy sauce, stock or bouillon, and cornstarch, which gives it its signature thickness and glossiness. The sauce can be used as a base for stir-fries, gravies, marinades, and dipping sauces. Depending on the recipe, other ingredients such as garlic, ginger, scallions, and spices may also be added to flavor the sauce.

The Ingredients of Chinese Gravy or Sauce

As mentioned earlier, the main ingredients of Chinese gravy or sauce are soy sauce, stock or bouillon, and cornstarch. Here's a breakdown of each ingredient's role in the sauce:

• Soy sauce: provides the sauce's signature salty and umami flavor.
• Stock or bouillon: adds depth and richness to the sauce. Chicken or beef stock is commonly used, but you can also use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
• Cornstarch: acts as a thickener and gives the sauce its glossy appearance.

Other ingredients such as garlic, ginger, scallions, and spices may also be added to flavor the sauce.

How to Make Chinese Gravy or Sauce?

Here's a simple recipe to make Chinese gravy or sauce at home:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 cup chicken or beef stock
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Optional: 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 1 chopped scallion

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until the cornstarch dissolves. Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until it boils and thickens. Use the sauce immediately or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Calorie Count and Nutritional Information of Chinese Gravy or Sauce

Here's a breakdown of the nutritional information of 100g of Chinese gravy or sauce:

• calories: 42
• Protein: 2g
• Iron: 4% of the daily value
• Magnesium: 4% of the daily value

Ways to Use Chinese Gravy or Sauce in Cooking

Chinese gravy or sauce is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Add it to stir-fries for a rich and flavorful sauce.
• Use it as a marinade for meats or tofu.
• Drizzle it over fried rice or noodles for extra flavor.
• Use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or dumplings.
• Add it to soups or stews for depth and thickness.

Chinese Gravy or Sauce as a Healthy Alternative to Other Sauces

Compared to other sauces like hoisin sauce or oyster sauce, Chinese gravy or sauce is a healthier option as it is low in calories and fat. It is also a good source of protein and other essential nutrients. However, it is important to note that Chinese gravy or sauce can be high in sodium, so use it in moderation and balance it out with other seasonings like vinegar or citrus juice.

Tips for Making the Perfect Chinese Gravy or Sauce

Here are some tips to make sure your Chinese gravy or sauce turns out perfect every time:

• Whisk the cornstarch with the broth/stock before adding it to the sauce to prevent lumps.
• Stir the sauce constantly as it cooks to prevent burning and sticking.
• Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less cornstarch.
• Balance out the saltiness with vinegar or citrus juice if needed.

The Best Recipes that Use Chinese Gravy or Sauce

Looking for some recipe ideas that use Chinese gravy or sauce? Here are some delicious options:

• Beef and broccoli stir-fry
• Sweet and sour pork
• Moo shu vegetables
• Kung pao chicken
• Black pepper tofu

Where to Buy Chinese Gravy or Sauce?

Chinese gravy or sauce is widely available in Asian grocery stores or supermarkets. You can also buy it online on websites like Amazon or Walmart.

Health Benefits of Using Chinese Gravy or Sauce in Cooking

Using Chinese gravy or sauce in your cooking can have some health benefits. Here are some of them:

• Provides a good source of protein and other essential nutrients.
• Can help enhance the flavor of dishes without adding excessive calories.
• May help reduce sodium intake if used in place of other high-sodium sauces like hoisin or oyster sauce.