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Citrus Chili Glaze

This is a vibrant, sweet, and spicy sauce that is yummy on seared scallops, roast chicken breasts, and grilled fish fillets. It’s easy to make and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks. Feel free to throw in some minced garlic if you love it the way I do. The cilantro is optional, but the fresh green fragrance and color is an appealing touch.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 1 cup

Ingredients

Zest, segments, and juice of 2 oranges or tangerines
Juice of 2 limes (3–4 tablespoons)
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (available in a bottle at most Asian markets)
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, optional

Preparation

  1. Use a zester to zest the oranges or tangerines; set the zest aside. To make the segments, use a sharp knife to cut a generous slice off the top and bottom of the oranges, exposing the juicy insides. Working from top to bottom with a small, sharp knife (I like a 4-inch blade), cut the peel off in strips, going deeper than usual so that the outer membrane of the fruit is removed. Work your way all around the fruit, curving your cuts with the shape of the fruit, until the orange flesh is fully exposed. Discard the skin and membrane. Pick up the fruit in one hand and, working over a bowl, turn the fruit on its side and with the knife in the other hand, slice in between the membranes that separate the sections, releasing a completely peeled segment into the bowl, which will also catch the juice. Drain the juice into a small saucepan and reserve the segments. Add the zest, lime juice, sugar, soy sauce, and ginger to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Mix the cornstarch with 1 teaspoon water and whisk into the hot mixture. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until thickened, about 3 more minutes. Stir in the sweet chili sauce and cool. Stir in the reserved segments and cilantro.

From Crescent City Cooking by Susan Spicer Copyright (c) 2007 by Susan Spicer Published by Knopf. Susan Spicer was born in Key West, Florida, and lived in Holland until the age of seven, when her family moved to New Orleans. She has lived there ever since, and is the owner of two restaurants, Bayona and Herbsaint. This is her first cookbook. Paula Disbrowe was the former Cowgirl Chef at Hart & Hind Fitness Ranch in Rio Frio, Texas. Prior to that, she spent ten years working as a food and travel writer. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Food & Wine, and Saveur, among other major publications.
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