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The chef's answer might surprise you, because their secret is very simple – and sometimes it's just a small sauce.
1. The "favorite" sauce of every Hong Kong family.
Although quite expensive, homemakers will have no regrets about buying this sauce because of its incredibly versatile uses. This magical sauce can enhance the aroma of stir-fried dishes, can be used as a dipping sauce for dim sum as a perfect substitute for soy sauce, and can be mixed with noodles for an instant treat.
To this day, this sauce, originating from Hong Kong, remains an indispensable ingredient in upscale Chinese restaurants and is found in home kitchens, becoming a secret weapon to elevate dishes and satisfy even the most discerning palates.
2. A name full of extravagance and countless interesting stories.
Few would have guessed that this sauce, capable of transforming any dish into a delicacy, only emerged in the 1980s. The name XO sauce originates from the aged cognac favored by Hong Kong residents at celebratory parties, and also refers to premium, high-quality products in the Hong Kong market.
Dry noodles with roast duck in XO sauce
As the name suggests, XO sauce is indeed very luxurious and expensive. This is because making this sauce requires using the freshest and finest ingredients such as scallops, dried anchovies, premium ham, etc., which are then soaked overnight, finely ground, and stir-fried in a hot pan until a beautiful golden color is achieved, seasoned with chopped chili peppers and fish sauce to taste. Given that dried scallops at the time cost around $300 per kilogram, it's no surprise that home cooks had to prepare a considerable amount of money to acquire this special sauce.
Beef stir-fry with broccoli – A stir-fry dish made even more appealing by the addition of XO sauce.
3. Where can I buy sauce in Vietnam?
Having achieved success in many Asian countries, XO sauce remains a staple in stir-fried dishes in Vietnam, captivating diners every time they enjoy it at upscale Chinese restaurants, including San Fu Lou.
Dubbed a "miniature Cantonese corner" in the city, San Fu Lou is the ideal destination to enjoy the exquisite flavors of traditional Cantonese cuisine.
With their rich aromas that fill the air the moment you open the bottle, San Fu Lou's meticulously crafted sauces promise to be the perfect catalyst for delicious and comforting meals.
You can also buy the complete set of 3 jars of San Fu Lou's special sauce as a gift, which is very suitable.
Come visit "The House of Three Blessings" to get your hands on this amazing special sauce for your family!
