This bright and tangy cranberry ginger sauce is a perfect burst of flavor! Made with fresh cranberries and zesty ginger, it brings a holiday cheer to any meal.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for seconds! I love slathering this on turkey sandwiches or just enjoying it straight from the jar. It’s that good! 🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are essential for this sauce. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries work as a good substitute. Just remember to thaw them before cooking.
Sugar: I like using granulated sugar since it balances the tartness of the cranberries. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try honey or maple syrup, but add them gradually since they can be sweeter.
Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy kick. If you don’t have fresh ginger, ground ginger can work in a pinch, but use less (about 1/4 teaspoon).
Orange Zest: This brightens up the sauce beautifully. If you don’t have an orange, lemon or lime zest can also add a nice citrus flavor.
How Do I Make the Perfect Cranberry Sauce Without Burning It?
One of the key steps in making cranberry sauce is managing the heat. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium-high heat to bring the mix to a boil. It helps cook the cranberries quickly.
- Once boiling, turn it down to medium-low. This allows the sauce to simmer gently, helping the cranberries burst without scorching.
- Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Let the sauce cool a bit before serving. It will thicken up nicely as it cools down. Perfect for your holiday table!
How to Make Cranberry Ginger Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cranberry ginger sauce takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 15 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll need around 25 minutes to make a delicious batch of this flavorful sauce!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing your fresh cranberries under cold water. Look out for any that are soft or damaged—just toss those out. You want the best berries for that fresh taste!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed cranberries, sugar, water, finely grated ginger, and orange zest. What a lovely mix already! This will be the base of your sauce.
3. Bring to a Boil:
Now, over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally. You’ll hear the cranberries beginning to pop and burst—sounds delicious, right?
4. Simmer to Thicken:
Once it’s boiling, lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, until you notice the sauce thickening and most of the cranberries have burst.
5. Cool and Add Flavor:
Take the saucepan off the heat and let it cool slightly. This sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, making it just perfect in consistency! After cooling, taste it and if you’d like, add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
6. Serve it Up:
Transfer your beautiful cranberry ginger sauce to a serving bowl. It’s nice to garnish with a bit of extra orange zest for that pop of color! You can serve this sauce warm or chilled, and it goes wonderfully with turkey, roasted veggies, or even on a sandwich.
Enjoy making and sharing your tangy, zesty cranberry ginger sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries in This Recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Frozen cranberries are a great substitute. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking to achieve the best texture and flavor.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, simply reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup. Alternatively, you can add more sugar after tasting if you find it too tart, but do it gradually to avoid over-sweetening.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover cranberry ginger sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can also be frozen for up to three months—just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Sauce?
Definitely! You can enhance the flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or replace some of the sugar with apple juice or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. Get creative!