Easy Homemade Sauces That Save You Money

Easy Homemade Sauces That Save You Money

Store-bought sauces offer convenience but often come with a hefty price tag and unwanted additives. By making your sauces at home, you can enjoy better flavor, healthier ingredients, and significant savings. Below are some easy homemade sauces that align perfectly with the vibrant and diverse flavors of Malaysian cuisine.



Sambal Belacan

A bold, spicy, and tangy chili paste that’s a staple in Malaysian kitchens.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh chilies
  • Belacan (fermented shrimp paste)
  • Lime juice
  • Salt

Steps to Make:

  1. Toast the belacan in a dry pan until it releases a fragrant aroma.
  2. Blend or pound the fresh chilies with the belacan, lime juice, and salt to taste.
  3. Store in an airtight container in the fridge to retain freshness.

Cost-Saving Tip: Purchase fresh chilies in bulk when they are in season, then freeze them to use over time.

Peanut Sauce (Kuah Kacang)

This rich and creamy sauce is a must-have for satay lovers.

Ingredients:

  • Roasted peanuts
  • Coconut milk
  • Tamarind paste
  • Sugar
  • Optional: Chili paste

Steps to Make:

  1. Blend the roasted peanuts into a paste with coconut milk and tamarind paste.
  2. Sweeten with sugar to balance the flavors, and add chili paste if you like it spicy.
  3. Simmer the mixture on low heat until it thickens.

Pro Tip: Homemade peanut sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week.

Soy Sauce Dip with Garlic and Chili

A quick, flavorful dipping sauce perfect for dumplings or fried snacks.

Ingredients:

  • Soy sauce
  • Vinegar
  • Minced garlic
  • Freshly chopped chilies

Steps to Make:

  1. Mix soy sauce and vinegar in a 1:1 ratio.
  2. Add minced garlic and chopped chilies to enhance the flavor.

Pro Tip: Use locally made soy sauce for an authentic and affordable taste.

Homemade Curry Paste

Crafting your curry paste from scratch is fresher and more economical than buying it pre-made.

Ingredients:

  • Dried chilies
  • Shallots
  • Garlic
  • Lemongrass
  • Ginger
  • Turmeric
  • Oil

Steps to Make:

  1. Soak dried chilies in warm water to soften them.
  2. Blend all the ingredients into a smooth paste.
  3. Portion the paste and freeze it for future use.

Money-Saving Tip: Grow your own turmeric and ginger for a sustainable supply of fresh ingredients.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

A zesty, versatile sauce great for stir-fries or as a dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

  • Ketchup
  • Vinegar
  • Sugar
  • Cornstarch

Steps to Make:

  1. Mix equal parts ketchup and vinegar in a saucepan.
  2. Sweeten with sugar, and add cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Pro Tip: Regular vinegar works just as well as pricier specialty vinegars.

Tamarind Sauce

Ideal for rojak or as a tangy dressing for salads.

Ingredients:

  • Tamarind pulp
  • Water
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Optional: Chopped chilies

Steps to Make:

  1. Soak the tamarind pulp in water and strain to remove seeds and fibers.
  2. Mix the tamarind water with sugar, salt, and chopped chilies for an extra kick.

Garlic Chili Oil

A versatile condiment that adds a spicy kick to noodles, rice, or stir-fries.

Ingredients:

  • Neutral oil
  • Minced garlic
  • Chili flakes
  • Soy sauce

Steps to Make:

  1. Heat the oil in a pan and fry the garlic until golden brown.
  2. Add chili flakes and a splash of soy sauce.
  3. Once cooled, transfer the oil to a jar for storage.

Honey Soy Glaze

A sweet and sticky glaze that pairs beautifully with roasted meats and vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • Honey
  • Soy sauce
  • Garlic powder

Steps to Make:

  1. Combine the ingredients in a small pan.
  2. Heat until the glaze thickens slightly.
  3. Brush it over your favorite grilled or baked dishes.

Homemade Tomato Sauce

A healthier alternative to store-bought ketchup or pasta sauce.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh, ripe tomatoes
  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Sugar

Steps to Make:

  1. Blend the tomatoes, garlic, and onions into a smooth mixture.
  2. Simmer the blend on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
  3. Sweeten with sugar if desired.

Coconut Milk Curry Sauce

A quick and easy base for many Malaysian curries.

Ingredients:

  • Coconut milk
  • Curry powder
  • Garlic
  • Salt

Steps to Make:

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a pot.
  2. Simmer gently, and then add proteins or vegetables of your choice.

Homemade sauces are a fantastic way to save money while enhancing your meals with fresh, bold flavors. By preparing these sauces at home, you can customize the taste to your liking and avoid unnecessary preservatives. Which of these sauces will you try first? Share your favorites in the comments below!

Comments

Post a Comment