| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 90 | 0g | 0g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 17g | 0g | 2g | 2.3g |
I’ve come across plenty of original recipe ideas in my time as a professional food blogger, but the Cao Guo Infused Soy Sauce truly stands apart from the rest. This enticing condiment elegantly combines eastern ingredients with a taste that’s as exquisite as a Parisian patisserie. It was quite a bona fide ‘Eureka!’ moment when I first tasted the depth and complexity it adds to the simplest meals.
The Perfect Fusion of Flavors
The inclusion of Cao Guo — black cardamom pods mainly used in subtle amounts to flavor both savory and sweet dishes in their native China— brings a beautifully smoky, earthy and slightly minty flavor that enhances the robust umami accents of the soy sauce. It’s a bit like how the dark richness of a good Café Noir interplays with the sweetness of a beignet.
A Dash of Health Benefits
The benefits of this Cao Guo Infused Soy Sauce recipe goes beyond just the palate. Soy sauce is known to be rich in certain antioxidants and might contribute to a healthier gut flora. Meanwhile, the fresh fruit juice (orange, apple, or pineapple) brings in a vitamin-loaded sweetness that balances the flavor and increases the health quotient of the dish. Lastly, lemon zest, beyond its bright and tangy nuances, is a whip of vitamin C and fiber.
This versatility makes the Cao Guo Infused Soy Sauce a seamless fit in most dishes. One might find its savory resonance similar to Indonesian ‘Kecap Manis’, although the fruit undertones set it distinctly apart. Pair it with grilled meat or as a dipping sauce for Asian dumplings for a culinary experience par excellence. Alternatively, try it in a marinade for salmon or drizzled over a stir-fry. The possibilities are endless!
Incorporating our Cao Guo Infused Soy Sauce in your cooking is a surefire way to bring a world of flavors to your cuisine, adding not just taste, but also a dash of health with every savory spoonful. At the risk of sounding audacious, I daresay it could inspire a similar ‘Eureka!’ moment for you, too!
Here is a recipe that could pair beautifully with our soy sauce, and for those curious about the health benefits of soy sauce, Healthline has a wonderful comprehensive guide you can check out. Happy Cooking, my gourmet gurus!
What You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup of soy sauce
- 6 Cao Guo (black cardamom pods)
- 1 cup of fresh fruit juice (like orange, apple, or pineapple)
- 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of rice wine vinegar
- Zest of one lemon
Method
Step One
Begin by taking out a saucepan and pouring in your fresh fruit juice of choice, the granulated sugar, and soy sauce. Stir everything together to combine.
Step Two
Next, add in your Cao Guo (black cardamom pods). Make sure that they are fully submerged within your sauce mixture.
Step Three
Turn on your stove to medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
Step Four
After 15 minutes, add in your rice wine vinegar and lemon zest to the saucepan. Stir everything together and allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step Five
Once simmering is complete, remove your saucepan from heat. Let it cool down for a bit.
Step Six
After your sauce has cooled, strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove the black cardamom pods and lemon zest. Pour your strained, infused soy sauce into an airtight container for storage.
Step Seven
Your Cao Guo Infused Soy Sauce is now ready to serve. It can be used as a marinade, dipping sauce, or seasoning to add a unique, aromatic flavour to your dishes. Enjoy!
