Mild version
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger root, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons hot chile pepper, minced
- 2 teaspoons Tomato Paste
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch
Hot and Sweet version
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup rice vinegar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger root, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 to 3 teaspoons hot chile pepper, minced
- 2 teaspoons Tomato Paste
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch
DIRECTIONS
- Pour water and vinegar into a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Stir in sugar, ginger, garlic, chile pepper, and ketchup; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cornstarch.
- Remove saucepan from stove to cool.
- Then transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until needed.
Notes:§
1. I used jarred, non-pickled ginger that I found in the Asian food section of my grocery store.
2. A large clove of garlic should be about a teaspoon when chopped.
3. I used the real, whole, dried chilis Tracy got me from the Mexican isle at Wegman's. I assume Fresh would work nicely too, but I should think the dried pepper flakes that have been sitting on a shelf for God knows how long would be a bad choice.
4. Remember wear latex when handling fresh chilis, wash hands thoroughly and don't touch your eyes or nose for three days.
5. This is an excellent substitute dip for the orange sauce that comes with Sweet and Sour Chicken.
