When I was a small-town kid, my parents would sometimes take my brother and me to a Chinese restaurant in the next town over. There were lush potted palms and a koi pond with a bridge in the middle of the restaurant. The big round table ("our table") had a Lazy Susan in the center of it for sharing dishes. The unfamiliar tastes were irresistible, and I still relish the way a particular flavor can send me on an adventure. Five-spice powder is a crucial ingredient in this sauce and instantly transports local ingredients to an exotic place.
Ingredients
1tsprice vinegar
1garlic cloveminced (about 1 teaspoon)
2tspChinese five-spice powder
½tspcrushed red pepper flakes
2tbspfresh orange juice
3tbscoconut aminos
1tspcornstarch(not in original recipe)
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix the vinegar, garlic, five-spice powder, and red pepper flakes with a fork to form a smooth paste. Stirring continuously with the fork, pour in the orange juice, then add the coconut aminos. Add cornstarch to thicken.