It may look like a sad little package shoved in the back of your freezer, but frozen spinach actually has a lot of culinary uses (and some may surprise you).

You know that ubiquitous, rich, brown sauce in Chinese take-out? It's easy to make at home, and it makes an excellent go-to stir-fry sauce. Soy sauce, beef broth, and oyster sauce combine with a few other basic ingredients in this essential Asian blend.

3/4 cup beef broth
1 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and whisk to dissolve the cornstarch. Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to a strong simmer and let cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened.
Use immediately.
Use low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness of the sauce. You can add salt if needed but definitely taste before adding.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
Try adding different herbs and spices like star anise or Chinese five-spice for variety.
Chinese Brown Sauce is a common sauce used in Chinese cuisine, known for its rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor.
Yes, chicken broth can be used as a substitute for beef broth, though it will yield a lighter tasting sauce.
If you don't have oyster sauce, you can try using a combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a pinch of sugar to mimic the flavor.
Leftover sauce should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving again.
It is not recommended to freeze the Chinese Brown Sauce as the texture and consistency won't be the same once thawed.
The sauce can be used as a stir-fry sauce, marinade, or dipping sauce for various Chinese dishes such as beef and broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles.
It may look like a sad little package shoved in the back of your freezer, but frozen spinach actually has a lot of culinary uses (and some may surprise you).
Pumpkins aren't just for pies or Halloween decorations. These large, orange gourds - while naturally sweet - also work well in savory dishes. They pair well with poultry and pork (and especially bacon) and their creamy-when-cooked texture blends easily into soups.
If you're a fan of the menu at this American chain of restaurants which serves a variety of foods such as burgers, steaks, pasta, and seafood then you'll love this collection of copycat recipes.

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