Add a vibrant twist to your holiday table with this Ginger Cranberry Sauce.
Bursting with tangy cranberries and a hint of zesty ginger, this homemade sauce delivers the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
It’s quick to prepare, beautifully glossy, and sure to impress with its bold taste. This simple yet flavorful recipe brings warmth and freshness to every festive meal.
How To Make Ginger Cranberry Sauce?
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Yield: About 2 to 2½ cups (serves ~6–8 as a side condiment)
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine grater (for fresh ginger and orange zest)
- Citrus juicer (for the orange juice, if using fresh)
- A bowl or jar for cooling and storing the sauce
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) orange juice
- 2 tablespoons finely grated fresh ginger (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
1. Combine the Base Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, add the cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. Stir gently to mix, then place the pan over medium heat.
2. Add the Flavor Boosters
Stir in the grated ginger, red pepper flakes, orange zest, cumin, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. These spices will give the sauce its warm, spicy-sweet aroma.
3. Simmer Until Berries Burst
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened.
4. Sweeten and Balance
Once thickened, taste the sauce. If you prefer a touch more sweetness, stir in the honey or maple syrup while the sauce is still warm.
5. Cool and Serve
Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Serve it over your delicious dish.
Nutrition Facts Of Ginger Cranberry Sauce
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Sugar: 18 g
- Fiber: 1–2 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
Which Goes Best With Ginger Cranberry Sauce?
◇ With Roasted Turkey or Chicken: Serve this ginger cranberry sauce alongside roasted turkey or chicken for a zesty, festive touch.
◇ As a Glaze for Meat: Brush it over pork tenderloin, ham, or salmon during the last few minutes of cooking for a tangy-sweet glaze.
◇ On Sandwiches or Wraps: Spread it on turkey or veggie sandwiches to add a burst of flavor.
◇ With Cheese and Crackers: Pair it with soft cheeses like brie or cream cheese for a delicious appetizer.
Tips & Variations
✦ Make It Chunky or Smooth: Mash the cranberries lightly for a chunky texture or blend for a smoother finish.
✦ Add a Citrus Twist: Try lemon or lime juice instead of orange for a tangier flavor.
✦ Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce a few days in advance—it tastes even better as the flavors meld.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly—no need to thaw before cooking.
How long does ginger cranberry sauce last?
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10–14 days in an airtight container.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Sure! It tastes even better after a day, as the flavors blend beautifully.
What can I use instead of orange juice?
Try apple juice, cranberry juice, or pomegranate juice for a flavor twist.
Can I freeze ginger cranberry sauce?
Yes, freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I add other fruits?
Yes! Add apples, pears, or pineapple for extra flavor and sweetness.
Conclusion
Ginger Cranberry Sauce is a delightful blend of warmth and tartness that elevates any meal.
Its bright flavor and homemade touch make it a holiday favorite worth keeping year-round.
Simple to make yet bursting with character, this sauce adds a festive spark to every bite.
Easy Ginger Cranberry Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine grater (for fresh ginger and orange zest)
- Citrus juicer (for the orange juice, if using fresh)
- A bowl or jar for cooling and storing the sauce
Ingredients
- 12 oz 340 g fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¾ cup 150 g granulated sugar
- ½ cup 120 ml orange juice
- 2 tablespoons finely grated fresh ginger adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup optional, for extra sweetness
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, add the cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. Stir gently to mix, then place the pan over medium heat.
- Stir in the grated ginger, red pepper flakes, orange zest, cumin, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. These spices will give the sauce its warm, spicy-sweet aroma.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened.
- Once thickened, taste the sauce. If you prefer a touch more sweetness, stir in the honey or maple syrup while the sauce is still warm.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Serve it over your delicious dish.
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.