Homemade XO Sauce Recipe – Bold, Umami-Packed & Ready in Under 30 Minutes!

Why XO Sauce Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen

If you’ve never heard of XO Sauce, you’re in for a flavorful ride. This luxurious, umami-rich condiment hails from the vibrant culinary world of Hong Kong, and let me tell you—it transforms ordinary meals into five-star experiences.

Packed with the deep flavors of dried shrimp, scallops, cured ham, and a punch of aromatics and spices, XO Sauce is spicy, savory, smoky, and simply irresistible. Whether you’re tossing it into noodles, spooning it over rice, or using it as a secret weapon in stir-fries, it’s the ultimate kitchen upgrade you didn’t know you needed.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t worry—this might sound fancy, but it’s simple once you break it down. Here’s what you’ll need to make your own XO Sauce at home:

Main Ingredients:

• 50g dried shrimp
• 50g dried scallops
• 100g Chinese Jinhua ham (or prosciutto), finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 2 red chilies, finely chopped (adjust based on heat preference)
• 1 tbsp dried chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp white pepper

Liquid Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine)

👨‍🍳 How to Make XO Sauce (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Rehydrate the Seafood

Start by soaking the dried shrimp and scallops in warm water for about 10 minutes. Once softened, drain and finely chop or shred them. This step is key for unlocking all that deep, oceanic flavor!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic, shallots, and chilies. Sauté until they turn golden and fragrant—this is where your kitchen starts smelling amazing.

Step 3: Add the Protein Punch

Stir in the chopped ham or prosciutto. Let it sizzle for about 2 minutes, then add the rehydrated shrimp and scallops. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until everything is golden and crispy. That’s the magic moment!

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

Now stir in your seasonings: chili flakes, sugar, salt, and white pepper. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Let everything simmer for another 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly and your house smells like a gourmet kitchen.

Step 5: Finish with Fragrance

Turn off the heat and stir in the sesame oil. This adds that final toasty, nutty depth. Let the sauce cool before transferring it to a jar. Pro tip: it gets even better after a day or two in the fridge.

🧊 Storing Your XO Sauce

Once cooled, store your sauce in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 2 weeks. The flavors actually intensify over time, so don’t rush to use it all on day one!

🍜 Delicious Ways to Use XO Sauce

This sauce is your culinary sidekick. Here are some mouthwatering ways to enjoy it:

• Stir-Fries: A spoonful brings smoky, savory depth to veggies, tofu, chicken, or beef.
• Fried Rice or Noodles: Toss in a tablespoon for an umami explosion.
• Dim Sum Dipping: Use it as a bold alternative to soy sauce or chili oil for dumplings, buns, or spring rolls.
• Seafood Enhancer: Drizzle over grilled prawns or steamed fish to amplify the flavor.

🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Tablespoon)

• Calories: 80 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Fats: 6g
• Carbs: 2g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fiber: 0.5g

💡 XO Sauce FAQs

1. What makes XO Sauce so special?

It’s all about the blend! The dried seafood and cured ham deliver a concentrated umami hit you won’t find in other sauces. It’s bold, elegant, and incredibly versatile.

2. Can I make a vegetarian version?

Absolutely. Replace the shrimp and scallops with shiitake mushrooms and fermented black beans. You’ll still get a punch of umami and that signature savory depth.

3. How long does homemade XO Sauce last?

Stored properly in a sealed container in the fridge, it can last up to 2 weeks. For longer shelf life, freeze smaller portions in jars or silicone trays.

4. Is XO Sauce spicy?

It has a mild to moderate kick, depending on how many chilies you use. Like it hot? Add more flakes. Prefer mild? Dial it down!

5. What dishes pair best with XO Sauce?

Think: noodles, fried rice, dumplings, seafood, even scrambled eggs. XO Sauce adds that “chef’s kiss” to almost anything.

⚠️ Caution: Who Should Avoid XO Sauce?

• Shellfish Allergies: This sauce contains dried shrimp and scallops, which are not safe for those with allergies.
• Sodium Concerns: Due to soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cured meat, it’s high in salt. People with hypertension should consume in moderation.

💬 Final Thoughts

XO Sauce might sound fancy, but making it at home is simple and incredibly rewarding. It’s a small-batch flavor bomb you can whip up in under 30 minutes—and trust me, once you taste it, there’s no going back to bland food.

So go ahead—try this recipe, tweak it to your liking, and store a jar in your fridge for those days when your meal needs that extra spark of magic. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to condiment!