Healthy Orange Sauce Recipe (Refined Sugar Free)

GFGluten Free

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Better than takeout, this Healthy Orange Sauce Recipe is free from Gluten, Preservatives, and Refined Sugar! Use it with your favorite protein source for a tasty and easy dinner.

Goodbye, takeout. And hello, Healthy Orange Sauce!

overhead shot of orange sauce with oranges

Sweet, Sticky, and oh-so-flavorful, Orage Sauce is one of those things that is just so satisfying. Whether you’re going out to eat at a Chinese restaurant or chilling with a takeout box while watching Netflix, I’m pretty sure most of us have enjoyed it at one point or another.

orange sauce in glass jar with oranges

The one thing I really don’t like about Orange Sauce? The ingredients — oops. Okay, let’s clarify: I’m all for the yummy Orange, salty Soy, and tangy Garlic flavors, but the refined sugar and preservatives? Yeah, I’ll pass on those.

That’s why I created this healthy Orange Sauce recipe to share with you all! This version is refined sugar free, but still tastes just like the original condiment we all know and love. Plus it’s made from only 10 plant-based ingredients!

ingredients for orange sauce

I also tested two different varieties of this sauce – one using Maple Syrup, and the other using Medjool Dates as the natural sweetener. As you can see in the image below, the Maple Syrup (left) version looks a lot more like a traditional Orange Sauce, while the version sweetened with Dates (right) is a lot thicker. I personally preferred the sauce made with Maple Syrup, but have included both versions in the recipe below!

orange sauce variations in glass jars

Whether you’re using this sauce in some Orange Tofu Buddha Bowls, or just using it as a condiment with some steamed veggies and rice, you’re sure to love this recipe! It’s great for Meal Prep too – make a batch of it at the beginning of the week, and it’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 10 days. 

pouring orange sauce into glass jar

Finally, if you make this recipe and decide to share it on Facebook or Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @FromMyBowl + #FromMyBowl! I love seeing your delicious recreations 🙂

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Healthy Orange Sauce (Refined Sugar Free)

Better than takeout, this Healthy Orange Sauce Recipe is free from Gluten, Preservatives, and Refined Sugar! Use it with your favorite protein source for a tasty and easy dinner.

  • Author: Caitlin Shoemaker
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 Minutes
  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: ~ 2 1/2 cups

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup Maple Syrup (see notes for option with Dates)
  • 1 cup Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice, with pulp (about 45 oranges)
  • Zest of 1 Orange (about 1 tsp)
  • ¼ cup + 1 tbsp Reduced Sodium Tamari (see notes for substitutions)
  • ¼ cup Rice Vinegar
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • ¾ of a small Yellow Onion
  • ½” knob of Ginger (no need to peel)
  • Pinch of Red Chile Flakes, optional
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch, Arrowroot, or Tapioca powder (I used Cornstarch)

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients, except for the Cornstarch, to a blender and process for 60 seconds, or until smooth.
  2. Pour the Orange Sauce into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring if the sauce starts to “bubble over.”
  3. Mix the Cornstarch with a small splash of Water in a small bowl.
  4. Once the Orange Sauce starts to boil, reduce the heat to low-medium, keeping a simmer.
  5. Pour the Cornstarch mixture into the saucepan, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until noticeably thickened. Stir the mixture frequently to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pan. (Note: Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken more as it cools!)
  6. Once the sauce reaches room temperature, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days.

Notes

  • To make this sauce with Medjool Dates instead, omit the Maple Syrup and add 1 cup of pitted & packed Dated to the blender with the remaining ingredients. The resulting sauce will be a lot thicker, so you do not need to cook it on the stovetop. I would, however, suggest that you heat it up with your veggies or protein before you use it, to cook off some of the raw garlic and onion flavors.
  • Orange Juice from a carton may be used instead of Fresh Orange Juice, but this will affect the final flavor.
  • Tamari may be substituted with Soy Sauce (not GF), Liquid Aminos, or Coconut Aminos.

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orange sauce with ingredients on white background

About the Author

Hey there, I’m Caitlin! I make easy-to-follow, wholesome, and budget-friendly vegan recipes that are mostly gluten-free and refined sugar-free. I’m also an avid yogi, love the great outdoors, am chocolate-obsessed, and enjoy eating almond butter straight off of the spoon.

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Comments

  1. So amazing! I can’t believe it was so tasty and tangy. I used rice flour to thicken, just because that was what I had in the cupboard. Worked well. One question:- can you freeze the sauce?

    1. Yes, this can be frozen. After preparing the sauce and allowing it to reach room temperature, you can transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bags. Make sure to leave some headspace for expansion during freezing. The sauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

      When you’re ready to use the frozen sauce, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. You may need to give it a good stir or reheat it gently on the stovetop to restore its consistency before using it in your recipes.

  2. My sauce won’t thicken up even after cooled how can I fix this .. can I add more cornstarch and reheat the sauce

    1. Yes, if your sauce won’t thicken up even after being cooled, you can add more cornstarch and reheat the sauce. Mix another tablespoon of cornstarch with a small amount of water and add it to the sauce. Stir the mixture frequently as it heats up and comes to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken more as it cools, so be careful not to add too much cornstarch.

  3. Absolutely LOVE this recipe!! Used the sauce with veggies and rice. Highly recommend. Everyone that had it loved it.