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Easy Cranberry Orange Sauce with Fresh Ginger

easy cranberry orange sauce - featured image

A bright, tangy, and complex homemade cranberry sauce made with fresh ginger and orange zest. This quick side dish is a crowd-pleaser that transforms a holiday staple into a gourmet experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Zest from 2 oranges
  • 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
  • 3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on orange tartness)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • A tiny pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Wash cranberries and remove any stems or bad berries. If using frozen, let them thaw slightly. Zest oranges before juicing, then grate the fresh ginger.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, grated ginger, sugar, water, and salt. Stir gently.
  3. Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar (about 5-7 minutes).
  4. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 8-10 minutes until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
  5. Check consistency; it should look like a loose jam. If too thin, simmer 2-3 minutes more. If too thick, add a splash of water.
  6. Remove from heat immediately and pour into a heat-proof bowl to stop cooking. Let cool to room temperature.
  7. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Stir before serving as solids may settle.

Notes

The sauce will thicken further as it cools, so do not overcook it. It tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or frozen for three months. If too thick after storage, add a teaspoon of water and stir.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, orange sauce, ginger sauce, holiday side dish, thanksgiving recipe, easy cranberry sauce, homemade cranberry sauce, gluten-free side dish