Ever found yourself out of plum sauce while looking at a recipe? It happens to the best of us. It feels like a sign to give up on our cooking plans. But no, we’re kitchen rebels, not ready to give up just yet.
Why follow the recipe to the letter when you can get creative? We love finding clever substitutes to spice up our meals. Plum sauce is great, but wait until you try these amazing alternatives.
Digging through the pantry, we found some unexpected gems. Who knew apricot jam could be a dazzling replacement for plum sauce? And let’s not forget the tangy power of tamarind paste.
Get ready. We’re about to elevate your taste buds with substitutions so delightful, plum sauce might just become a memory.
7 Easy Substitutes for Plum Sauce
When it comes to cooking, improvising is key. We’ll show you how to use common ingredients in surprising ways. You don’t have to run out to the store every time a recipe calls for an ingredient that’s not in your pantry.
| Substitute | Taste | Texture | Suitable Dishes |
| Apricot Jam | Sweet, tangy | Thick, spreadable | Stir-fries, marinades, dips |
| Hoisin Sauce | Sweet, savory, umami | Thick, sticky | Stir-fries, dipping sauces, glazes |
| Pomegranate Molasses | Tart, sweet | Thick, syrupy | Marinades, dressings, glazes |
| Balsamic Glaze | Sweet, tangy, acidic | Thick, syrupy | Salads, roasted vegetables, meats |
| Tamarind Paste | Sour, sweet, tangy | Thick, paste-like | Curries, chutneys, dipping sauces |
| Cranberry Sauce | Tart, sweet | Thick, spreadable | Roasted meats, sandwiches, cheese plates |
| Soy Sauce and Brown Sugar | Savory, sweet | Thin, liquid | Stir-fries, marinades, dipping sauces |
1 – Apricot Jam
Apricot jam steps in with a sweet and slightly tart vibe, making it a top-notch swap for plum sauce. Its fruity essence brings a new layer to dishes. We stumbled upon this hack during a “what’s left in the pantry” experiment one lazy Sunday.
The jam’s texture is perfect for glazes and dips. Mix it up with a little vinegar for that essential tang. We’ve used it on everything from stir-fry to barbecue, and it never disappoints.
For every tablespoon of plum sauce, swap in an equal amount of apricot jam. This simple switcheroo has saved our dinners more times than we can count.
Looking for more ways to shake things up? Check out this article on finding substitutes for apricot jam.
2 – Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce steps in as a fantastic option. This rich, flavorful sauce brings depth to dishes. It’s thicker and darker than plum sauce, yet it does the job well. We’ve thrown it into stir-fries and found it adds a nice complexity.
It’s slightly sweet with a hint of spice. For those looking to switch things up, hoisin sauce is a solid pick. We learned to use it in a pinch during a barbecue. The results? Surprisingly good.
Use hoisin sauce in a one-to-one ratio as a stand-in for plum sauce. It works wonders.
For enthusiasts eager to discover more kitchen swaps, here’s a guide on hoisin sauce.
3 – Pomegranate Molasses
Pomegranate molasses swaps in with its tangy kick. This thick syrup elevates dishes with a mix of sweet and sour. We ran into this substitute on a busy weeknight meal prep.
Its rich flavor pairs well in marinades and dressings. A little bit goes a long way. We’ve tossed it in salads and even drizzled it over roasted veggies.
Substitute pomegranate molasses for plum sauce using a 1:1 ratio. It’s simple. Stir it into recipes where you’d typically use plum sauce.
Interested in other options? You might like our insights on substitutes for pomegranate molasses.
4 – Balsamic Glaze
Balsamic glaze steps up, bringing zing with every drop. It’s thick, it’s glossy, and oozes flavor.
We found ourselves using it on grilled veggies. Wow, did it make a difference.
In recipes calling for plum sauce, use balsamic glaze in a 1:1 swap.
This stuff works magic in stir-fries too. Adds depth with its tangy yet sweet touch.
5 – Tamarind Paste
Tamarind paste steps in with a sour note, perfect for those craving that distinct tanginess. Its flavor is bold yet complements dishes well. We threw it into soups and were amazed by the depth it added.
The paste’s consistency works well for marinades. We found it blends seamlessly into sauces. For every bit of plum sauce needed, use the same amount of tamarind paste.
It turned our meals around. Looking for more twists? Check out our insights on finding substitutes for tamarind paste.
6 – Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce jumps in as a zesty alternative. It’s both sweet and tart. We found this out by accident during Thanksgiving dinner prep.
This sauce mixes well with other ingredients. For each spoonful of plum sauce your recipe needs, use the same amount of cranberry sauce. We tried this in a glaze for meatballs.
Surprise! The results were amazing. Cranberry sauce can also liven up a salad dressing. It blends in smoothly, giving a pop of flavor.
7 – Soy Sauce and Brown Sugar
Mixing soy sauce and brown sugar offers a straightforward swap. This combo stands in effectively.
We stumbled upon this blend while experimenting one evening. Soy sauce adds depth; brown sugar brings sweetness.
Together, they create a balance. The trick is to find the right ratio.
We typically go for a one-to-one mix. This blend fits into many dishes.
It works as a solid stand-in for plum sauce. For every desire to diverge from the ordinary, this pairing answers the call.
Incorporate it as you would plum sauce. Need more ideas? Readers might find value in our discussions on soy sauce alternatives and choices for brown sugar.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.