Go Back
–+ servings
XO Sauce

Homemade XO Sauce: Elevate Your Dishes with Umami Magic

This Homemade XO Sauce is a culinary gem that elevates any dish with its rich umami flavor and satisfying crunch.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 tablespoons
Course: Dishes
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 40
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 cup Dried Shrimp rehydrated
  • 1 cup Dried Scallop rehydrated and finely shredded
  • 100 grams Smoked Ham cubed
  • 2 pieces Chili Peppers adjust variety based on heat preference
  • 2 pieces Red Shallots finely chopped
For the Flavor
  • 5 cloves Garlic fresh and finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Salt adjust based on other salt-containing ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Chicken Bouillon Powder omit for vegetarian version
  • 1 tablespoon Chili Bean Sauce (Toban Djan) found at Asian supermarkets
For Cooking
  • 4 tablespoons Oil neutral oil for frying and simmering
  • 2 tablespoons Shaoxing Rice Wine substitute with white wine or omit

Equipment

  • non-stick pan
  • bowl
  • Paper Towels
  • airtight jar

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for XO Sauce
  1. Soak the dried shrimp and scallops in cool water for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  2. In a non-stick pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add shredded scallops and fry for 5 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Using the same oil, sauté garlic, chili peppers, and shallots for around 3 minutes.
  4. Combine fried scallops, soaked shrimp, and cubed smoked ham. Add salt, sugar, chicken bouillon, and chili bean sauce.
  5. Pour in reserved soaking liquid, reduce heat, and simmer for about 1 hour.
  6. Stir in Shaoxing rice wine and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Transfer to an airtight jar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoonCalories: 40kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 2gFat: 2gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 70mgSugar: 1g

Notes

Use high-quality dried shrimp and scallops for the best flavor. Adjust sugar and salt to suit personal taste.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!