Cranberry Sauce Recipe with Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry for a Sweet and Savory Meal

Why You’ll Love This cranberry sauce recipe

  • Ease of preparation: This cranberry sauce recipe is incredibly simple, requiring just a handful of ingredients and roughly 15 minutes of cooking time. The steps are straightforward, making it accessible even for novice cooks who want a fresh, homemade sauce without fuss.
  • Health benefits: Loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber from fresh or frozen cranberries, this recipe supports overall wellness. The natural tartness paired with balanced sweetness means you get flavor along with nutritional advantages like low fat and cholesterol.
  • Versatility: Easily adaptable, this cranberry sauce suits vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie diets by swapping sweeteners or including different add-ins. It complements a variety of meals from holiday roasts to breakfast dishes, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy it.
  • Distinctive flavor: The perfect harmony of tangy cranberries, bright orange zest, warm cinnamon, and subtle vanilla creates a memorable sweet and savory profile. This unique blend brings a refreshing twist to traditional cranberry sauce, making it ideal for both festive occasions and everyday cooking.
Jump To

Essential Ingredients for cranberry sauce recipe

  • 12 ounces (about 340 grams) fresh or frozen cranberries, rinsed – the star tart fruit that gives the sauce its signature tang and texture
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) water – forms the cooking base, helping cranberries soften and burst
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh orange juice – adds bright citrus flavor and natural sweetness
  • 3/4 cup (packed, about 150 grams) light or dark brown sugar – balances tartness with rich sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest – enhances aroma with fresh citrus notes
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – adds subtle warmth and complexity
  • Optional additions:
    • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – for cozy, warming spice
    • Cinnamon stick for simmering – adds deeper cinnamon flavor
    • Maple syrup or frozen mixed berries – for extra depth and variation

Special Dietary Options:

  • Vegan: Use organic cane sugar and plant-based butter or margarine if needed.
  • Gluten-free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, containing no wheat or gluten ingredients.
  • Low-calorie: Substitute brown sugar with natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol to reduce calorie content.

How to Prepare the Perfect cranberry sauce recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Zest and juice the orange

Using a microplane or fine grater, zest the orange carefully avoiding the bitter white pith. Set zest aside. Juice the orange and measure 1/4 cup of fresh juice for cooking.

Second Step: Rinse cranberries

Place cranberries in a colander and rinse under cold water, discarding any soft or spoiled berries. Reserve about 1/2 cup of whole cranberries to stir in at the end for texture and visual contrast.

Third Step: Combine ingredients and start cooking

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining cranberries with water, fresh orange juice, and brown sugar. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches a gentle simmer.

Fourth Step: Simmer to thicken

Reduce heat to low-medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries burst and the liquid thickens, about 15 to 20 minutes. If using a cinnamon stick, add it during this phase and remove before final steps.

Fifth Step: Final flavor touches

Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in the reserved whole cranberries, orange zest, and vanilla extract. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, developing rich flavor and pleasing texture.

Final Step: Cool and serve

Allow the cranberry sauce to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. It can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months, thawing completely prior to serving.

Tip: Avoid washing cranberries with soap or detergent as it affects flavor and texture; water is sufficient for rinsing.


Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your cranberry sauce recipe

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

  • While cranberry sauce is mostly fruit-based, consider topping with toasted pecans or almonds to add protein and crunchy texture.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

  • Swap ground cinnamon with nutmeg or ginger for varied spiciness and warmth.
  • Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to introduce aromatic layers.
  • Replace brown sugar with maple syrup or honey to vary sweetness and flavor complexity.
  • Incorporate seasonal fruits such as apple slices or dried cranberries to broaden the taste and texture.

Mastering cranberry sauce recipe: Advanced Tips and Variations

  • Pro cooking techniques: Simmer cranberries gently and slowly to control bursting and maintain appealing texture without turning mushy.
  • Flavor variations: Experiment with stirring in vanilla extract, star anise, or a splash of bourbon for deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
  • Presentation tips: Serve cranberry sauce in a clear glass dish to highlight its vibrant red color. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, orange slices, or cinnamon sticks for festive appeal.
  • Make-ahead options: Prepare cranberry sauce up to a week before serving and refrigerate. Flavors will mellow and deepen, making this perfect for busy holiday schedules.

How to Store cranberry sauce recipe: Best Practices

Storage Method Details Duration
Refrigeration Store cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve flavor and freshness. Up to 10 days
Freezing Freeze in freezer-safe containers with space for expansion. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before use. Up to 3 months
Reheating Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to maintain texture without breaking down too much. As desired
Meal Prep Make in bulk and freeze individual portions for fast meals. Ideal for holiday prep and everyday convenience. Varies
cranberry sauce recipe

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About cranberry sauce recipe

Can I use frozen cranberries to make cranberry sauce?

Yes, frozen cranberries can be used directly in this recipe without thawing. They cook down similarly to fresh cranberries and will yield a sauce with the same tart flavor and texture. Just add them to the pot as you would fresh cranberries and allow a few extra minutes if needed for them to break down fully.

How can I adjust the sweetness of cranberry sauce to my taste?

The recipe typically calls for brown sugar, but you can easily increase or decrease the amount to suit your preference. For a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar by a quarter cup. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add up to 1 cup of sugar. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey for different flavors.

What’s the best way to store leftover cranberry sauce?

Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 days. Before serving leftovers, you can enjoy the sauce cold or gently warm it on the stove or microwave. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods to maintain freshness.

Can I prepare cranberry sauce ahead of time for a holiday meal?

Absolutely. Cranberry sauce can be made 2 to 3 days in advance. After cooking, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a covered container and refrigerate. Making it ahead helps the flavors meld and saves time on your busy holiday day.

Should I add orange zest while cooking cranberry sauce or after?

It’s best to add orange zest after cooking, once the sauce is removed from heat. Adding the zest too early can cause a bitter flavor. Stirring in fresh orange zest at the end brightens the taste and adds a subtle citrus aroma without bitterness.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
cranberry sauce recipe 2.png

cranberry sauce recipe


  • Author: Isabella Hayes
  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 cups
  • Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Description

🍒 Enjoy a vibrant cranberry sauce that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors, ideal for holiday meals or everyday dishes.
🍊 The inclusion of orange juice and zest adds brightness and richness, enhancing the sauce’s natural depth.


Ingredients

– 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries

– 3/4 cup water

– 1/4 cup fresh orange juice

– 3/4 cup light or dark brown sugar

– 1 teaspoon orange zest

– 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

– 1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– Cinnamon stick

– Maple syrup

– Frozen mixed berries


Instructions

1-First Step: Zest and juice the orange Using a microplane or fine grater, zest the orange carefully avoiding the bitter white pith. Set zest aside. Juice the orange and measure 1/4 cup of fresh juice for cooking.

2-Second Step: Rinse cranberries Place cranberries in a colander and rinse under cold water, discarding any soft or spoiled berries. Reserve about 1/2 cup of whole cranberries to stir in at the end for texture and visual contrast.

3-Third Step: Combine ingredients and start cooking In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining cranberries with water, fresh orange juice, and brown sugar. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches a gentle simmer.

4-Fourth Step: Simmer to thicken Reduce heat to low-medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries burst and the liquid thickens, about 15 to 20 minutes. If using a cinnamon stick, add it during this phase and remove before final steps.

5-Fifth Step: Final flavor touches Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in the reserved whole cranberries, orange zest, and vanilla extract. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, developing rich flavor and pleasing texture.

6-Final Step: Cool and serve Allow the cranberry sauce to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. It can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months, thawing completely prior to serving.

Notes

🍯 Use a combination of water and orange juice to balance tartness and sweetness.
🍂 Add orange zest after cooking to prevent bitterness and brighten flavor.
🥄 Reserve some whole cranberries for texture and visual appeal.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Simmering time: 15-20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 cup
  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Sugar: 24-25 g
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Fat: 0.1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 0.8 g
  • Protein: 0.6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: cranberry sauce, sweet and tangy sauce, holiday sauce, citrus cranberry

1 thought on “Cranberry Sauce Recipe with Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry for a Sweet and Savory Meal”

  1. This cranberry sauce recipe turned out amazing for our Thanksgiving dinner! I added a bit of orange zest, and it really enhanced the flavors. 🍊🥳 Thank you for sharing such a delightful recipe. 🎉

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating