This bright cranberry mango sauce brings together sweet and tangy flavors that brighten up any meal. It’s perfect for turkey, chicken, or just enjoying on its own!
Making this sauce is a breeze! I love how it adds a splash of color to my dinner table and tastes amazing with everything. Give it a try, and you might find it’s your new favorite! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best here, but if you can’t find them, frozen cranberries work well too! Just make sure to thaw and drain some excess water before cooking.
Mango: A ripe mango gives the sauce a lovely sweetness. If mangoes aren’t in season, try using canned mango or a cup of diced peaches instead for a similar flavor.
Granulated Sugar: You can adjust the sugar based on your taste or substitute with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener. Remember that sweetness can vary with the fruit used.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds brightness, but bottled juice is a fine alternative. If you’re in a pinch, you can replace it with apple juice as well.
Lemon Juice: The lemon juice is optional, but it really enhances the flavor! If you skip it, just ensure you still have enough tartness from the cranberries.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Sauce Consistency?
The key to a great cranberry mango sauce is simmering it just right. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by cooking the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a gentle boil. This helps the cranberries burst and release their juices.
- Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. Keep stirring every few minutes to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Check the thickness of your sauce as it cooks. If it’s too runny, let it simmer a bit longer. It will thicken more as it cools.
Don’t rush this process; letting the mixture simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully. I always taste it towards the end to see if it needs more sweetness or acidity!
Cranberry Mango Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, to brighten flavor)
- 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional, for a subtle spice)
- 1 small sprig of rosemary or other fresh herb for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious sauce takes approximately 20-25 minutes in total—about 5-10 minutes for preparation and another 10-15 minutes for cooking. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it a perfect addition to your meals!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
First, rinse the cranberries under cold water and drain them well. If you’re using frozen cranberries, you can skip this step!
2. Combine Everything in a Saucepan:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the cranberries, diced mango, sugar, water, and orange juice. Stir everything until well combined.
3. Bring to a Boil:
Place the saucepan on medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to help dissolve the sugar and prevent sticking.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. During this time, you’ll notice the cranberries will start to burst and the mango will soften. Be sure to stir it often.
5. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you want an extra layer of flavor, stir in the lemon juice and grated ginger during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This adds brightness and a nice spice to the sauce.
6. Cool and Thicken:
Once the sauce has thickened and cooked, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool slightly in the saucepan; it will get even thicker as it cools.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl. If desired, garnish with a small sprig of rosemary or any fresh herb you like. Serve the sauce warm or chilled next to your favorite dishes such as turkey or chicken.
Enjoy the vibrant sweet-tart combination of cranberries and mango in this easy homemade sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Sauce?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work great in this recipe. Just make sure to let them thaw and drain any excess water before cooking to maintain the right consistency.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this cranberry mango sauce up to 2-3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and give it a quick stir before serving.
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
To adjust sweetness, you can start with a smaller amount of sugar and taste the sauce as it simmers. If it’s not sweet enough for your liking, simply add more sugar gradually until you reach your desired sweetness!
What Can I Serve This Sauce With?
This versatile sauce pairs beautifully with turkey, chicken, pork, or even over a dessert like vanilla ice cream or cheesecake. It’s a flavorful addition to any meal!
