This bright and zesty spiced cranberry sauce is a perfect mix of tart cranberries, sweet oranges, and a touch of ginger. It’s great for adding flavor to your meals!
I love how easy it is to whip up this sauce. Just toss everything in a pot, let it bubble, and you have a tasty side dish that makes any meal special—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best for this recipe, but if they’re not available, frozen cranberries work great too. Just use them straight from the freezer—there’s no need to thaw!
Orange: The orange zest and juice give the sauce a fresh flavor. If you’re out of oranges, try using a splash of store-bought orange juice. You could also substitute with lemon for a different twist.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warm spiciness. If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use powdered ginger (about 1 teaspoon), but the flavor will be different. I’ve found that fresh really makes a big difference!
Star Anise & Cinnamon: These spices add depth. If you can’t find star anise, simply use more cinnamon or add a bit of ground allspice. They all give a nice warmth.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Sauce Consistency?
The sauce’s thickness is key to its appeal. To get it just right, keep these tips in mind:
- Start boiling the mixture to help dissolve the sugar, then reduce heat for a steady simmer.
- Watch for cranberries to pop—they release pectin, which helps thicken the sauce.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can mash the cranberries with a fork or blend it for a few seconds. Just be careful not to over-blend if you want to keep some texture.
Let the sauce cool, as it will thicken even more as it sets. It’s a great make-ahead dish for holidays!
Spiced Cranberry Sauce With Orange And Ginger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sauce:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- Zest of 1 orange (plus extra strips for garnish)
- Juice of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise pods
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. After that, you’ll want to let it cool—so total time is around 25-30 minutes. You can make it ahead for your holiday meals or enjoy it right away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water. Make sure to remove any stems or bad berries, and then drain them well in a colander.
2. Prepare the Sauce Base:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the water, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, freshly grated ginger, cinnamon stick, star anise pods, and a pinch of salt. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until all the sugar is dissolved. This will create a lovely, fragrant syrup!
3. Add the Cranberries:
Now, it’s time to add the cranberries to your syrup. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer. You’ll want to stir it occasionally for about 10-15 minutes. Watch as the cranberries burst and release their juices, creating a beautiful sauce.
4. Check the Thickness:
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, take it off the heat. Remember, it will thicken more as it cools! Carefully remove and discard the cinnamon stick and star anise pods.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving bowl. For a beautiful touch, garnish it with extra strips of orange zest and if you like, add another star anise for decoration!
6. Ready to Enjoy:
This sauce can be served at room temperature or chilled. It pairs perfectly with turkey, pork, or even on top of cream cheese with crackers. Enjoy this bright and spicy cranberry creation!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just add them directly to the saucepan without thawing. They may take a few extra minutes to come to a boil, but they’ll still taste great!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, feel free to reduce the sugar by up to half. Start with ½ cup (100 g) and adjust according to your taste preferences. Remember, cranberries are naturally tart, so find the balance that works for you!
How Long Does This Cranberry Sauce Last?
This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It’s even better after it sits for a day, as the flavors meld together. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months!
Can I Make This Sauce a Day Ahead?
Definitely! In fact, making it a day ahead is a great idea. Just store it in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before serving. The flavors will deepen and enhance over time!