A Light Citrus Vegetable Sauce for Steamed & Fried Fish
This orange vegetable sauce is a light, flavorful sauce made with fresh vegetables and citrus juice. It adds brightness, gentle sweetness, and aroma to fish dishes without overpowering their natural taste. This sauce pairs especially well with steamed fish, but also works beautifully with fried or grilled seafood.
What Makes This Sauce Special
Unlike heavy or creamy sauces, this orange-based vegetable sauce is:
- Light and refreshing
- Mildly sweet with balanced acidity
- Aromatic without being spicy
- Suitable for delicate fish dishes
The combination of citrus juice, vegetables, and mild seasoning enhances fish while keeping the dish clean and fresh.
Orange Vegetable Sauce for Fish
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- ½ cup diced carrot
- ½ cup diced capsicum
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 scallions green part chopped
- ¼ tsp salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp white pepper powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- 4 tbsp water
Instructions
- In a frying pan, pour 1 tbsp of cooking oil. Heat the oil lightly. Put garlic paste into it. Fry it light brown on a very low flame. Don’t fry it dark brown.
- Add diced carrots to it. Fry it for 1 minute. Now add diced capsicum and fry it for half a minute. Next season it with salt and white pepper powder or black pepper powder. White pepper powder gives a nice taste.
- Next, add orange juice to it.
- Add chopped green part of one or two scallions to the sauce.
- When the sauce comes to a bubble, add sugar to it. Don’t over-boil the sauce. When the sugar is dissolved, add the cornflour slurry to thicken the sauce. Add the slurry gradually, stirring to prepare a lump-free sauce.Cook the cornflour slurry for half a minute at least, and continue till you get the sauce of the desired consistency. If you feel the sauce has thickened, add more orange juice to it.
Flavor Base & Vegetables
The sauce begins with gently sautéed garlic, which provides aroma without bitterness. Finely diced carrots and capsicum add subtle sweetness, texture, and color, making the sauce visually appealing and well-balanced.
White pepper is preferred for seasoning because it adds warmth without heat, but black pepper can be used as an alternative.
Citrus & Aromatics
Fresh orange juice forms the base of the sauce, providing natural sweetness and acidity. The green part of spring onions (scallions) is added near the end to boost freshness and aroma without overpowering the citrus flavor.
This combination keeps the sauce light and ideal for seafood.
Balancing & Thickening the Sauce
A small amount of sugar helps balance the citrus acidity. The sauce should be heated gently until it just begins to bubble — avoid over-boiling, as excessive heat can dull the fresh flavor.
A cornflour slurry is added gradually while stirring to achieve a smooth, glossy texture. If the sauce thickens too much, a splash of orange juice can be added to adjust consistency.
How to Serve Citrus Vegetable Sauce
This sauce is best served hot and can be:
- Spooned lightly over fish just before serving
- Served on the side so diners can adjust to taste
It pairs especially well with:
- Steamed whole fish
- Fried fish
- Grilled seafood
- Steamed vegetables
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator
- Best used within 2 days
- Reheat gently on low heat, stirring continuously
Avoid reheating on high heat, as this may affect texture and flavor.
Tips for Best Results
- Do not brown the garlic too much; light sautéing keeps the flavor sweet
- Add cornflour slurry gradually to prevent lumps
- Avoid over-boiling to maintain fresh citrus taste
- Adjust sweetness and thickness according to preference
Recipes That Pair Well with This Sauce
This sauce works beautifully with:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is orange vegetable sauce?
Orange vegetable sauce is a light, citrus-based sauce made with orange juice and vegetables. It is commonly served with fish to add freshness and mild sweetness without overpowering the dish.
Can orange vegetable sauce be used with fish?
Yes, orange vegetable sauce pairs very well with fish. Its citrus flavor enhances steamed, fried, or grilled fish while keeping the dish light and balanced.
Is orange vegetable sauce sweet or savory?
Orange vegetable sauce is mildly sweet with a savory balance. The sweetness from orange juice is balanced with vegetables and seasoning, making it suitable for seafood.
Can I make orange vegetable sauce ahead of time?
Yes, orange vegetable sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently before serving.
What fish goes best with orange vegetable sauce?
Orange vegetable sauce works best with steamed whole fish, white fish fillets, fried fish, and lightly grilled seafood.
Is orange vegetable sauce healthy?
Yes, orange vegetable sauce is a light and healthy option because it uses fresh vegetables and citrus juice instead of heavy cream or butter.
Final Note
This orange vegetable sauce is designed to enhance fish, not dominate it. Its light texture, citrus freshness, and gentle sweetness make it a versatile addition to many seafood dishes.