1/5 jar (100 g) Cantonese Sauce contains around 86 calories per serving. This sauce is a popular ingredient in Cantonese cuisine and can add a unique flavor to your dishes.

Apart from the calorie count, Cantonese Sauce is a good source of several essential nutrients like protein, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and calcium. However, it is also high in sodium and sugar, so you need to be mindful of the portion size and frequency of consumption.

In this article, we'll discuss everything you need to know about Cantonese Sauce's nutritional profile, benefits, and usage in cooking.

What is Cantonese Sauce?

Cantonese Sauce is a sweet and savory sauce used in many Cantonese dishes like stir-fries, noodle soups, and rice bowls. It has a thick consistency and a rich reddish-brown color. Cantonese Sauce is made from a blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and other flavorings like garlic, ginger, and chilies. The sauce has a complex and intense flavor profile that can enhance the taste of any food it is added to. Cantonese Sauce's sweetness balances the saltiness of soy sauce, while oyster sauce adds a deep umami flavor. The sauce is also versatile and can be used as a marinade, dipping sauce or a glaze.

How Many Calories Does Cantonese Sauce Contain?

As mentioned earlier, a 1/5 jar (100 g) serving of Cantonese Sauce contains around 86 calories. Most of the calories come from carbohydrates, while a small portion comes from proteins and fats.

What are the Nutritional Values of Cantonese Sauce?

Apart from the calorie count, Cantonese Sauce is a good source of several essential nutrients like protein, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and calcium. However, the sauce is also high in sodium and sugar, which can be detrimental to overall health if consumed in excess. A 100g serving of Cantonese Sauce contains approximately 1.5g of protein, 0.2g of fat, 19.9g of carbohydrates, 2.3g of dietary fiber, 234mg of sodium, and 17.8g of sugar.

What Are the Ingredients of Cantonese Sauce?

The ingredients of Cantonese Sauce typically include soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and chilies. Some recipes may also include cornstarch, vinegar, or sesame oil for added texture and flavor. There can be variations in the ratio of the ingredients and the cooking method, depending on the regional and personal preferences of the chef.

Can Cantonese Sauce Affect Your Weight?

While Cantonese Sauce is not inherently bad for weight management, it can contribute to calorie intake if consumed in large quantities or in combination with calorie-dense foods. Additionally, Cantonese Sauce is high in sugar, which can lead to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues if consumed regularly in excess.

Are There any Health Benefits of Cantonese Sauce?

Even though Cantonese Sauce is high in sodium and sugar, it does have a few health benefits due to its nutrient profile. For instance, the sauce contains vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps boost immunity, and dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and bowel movements. Additionally, soy sauce, which is a key ingredient in Cantonese Sauce, has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

How to Use Cantonese Sauce in Your Cooking?

Cantonese Sauce is a versatile ingredient that can add depth and flavor to many dishes. Here are a few ways you can use the sauce in your cooking:

• Stir-fries: Add Cantonese Sauce to your stir-fry vegetables or meat to make them more flavorful.
• Noodle soups: Use Cantonese Sauce as a base for your noodle soup to give it a sweet and savory taste.
• Marinades: Marinate your chicken, beef, or tofu in Cantonese Sauce for a few hours before grilling or baking to infuse it with the sauce's flavor.
• Dipping sauce: Mix Cantonese Sauce with some rice vinegar and chopped scallions to make a delicious dipping sauce for your spring rolls or dumplings.

Is Cantonese Sauce Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans?

Traditional Cantonese Sauce contains oyster sauce, which is made from oysters and is not suitable for vegans and some vegetarians. However, there are recipes for vegan Cantonese Sauce that replace oyster sauce with mushroom sauce or other plant-based alternatives. You can also look for ready-made vegan Cantonese Sauce in specialty stores or online.

What are the Different Varieties of Cantonese Sauce?

Cantonese Sauce can have variations in taste and texture depending on the region and the chef's preferences. Some popular varieties of Cantonese Sauce include:

• Char siu sauce: This is a Cantonese barbecue sauce made from hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and five-spice powder. It is commonly used to glaze roasted pork or chicken.
• Lee Kum Kee sauce: This is a popular brand that produces various types of Cantonese sauces, including hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and chili sauce.
• Seafood sauce: This type of Cantonese Sauce is made specifically for seafood dishes and contains ingredients like ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and black beans.

Where Can You Buy Cantonese Sauce?

Cantonese Sauce can be found in most Asian grocery stores or specialty stores that stock Chinese ingredients. You can also purchase Cantonese Sauce online from websites like Amazon or Alibaba. When buying Cantonese Sauce, make sure to check the ingredients list and the nutrition label to ensure that it fits your dietary needs and preferences.