This cranberry mango sauce is a sweet and tangy delight that pairs perfectly with your holiday meals. It’s made with fresh cranberries, juicy mangoes, and a hint of sugar!
Whenever I make this sauce, I love how it brightens up the dinner table. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up! Just mix everything in a pot and let it simmer—simple, right?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are the stars here. If you can’t find them, frozen ones work just as well! They’ll still burst and add that tart flavor. Just remember, if the frozen are sweetened, you might want to adjust the sugar.
Mango: A ripe mango gives the sauce a lovely sweetness. If mangos aren’t in season, you can use canned mango in light syrup instead. Just drain it well before adding it to your sauce.
Sugar: Adjust the sugar based on your taste! You can swap granulated sugar for honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener. If you want to cut back on sugar, consider using a sugar substitute suitable for cooking.
Lemon Juice: This brightens the flavor. Lime juice is a great alternative. You might even try orange juice for a different twist!
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce Is the Perfect Consistency?
The key technique is simmering. Once you heat the mixture, keep an eye on it. The cranberries will pop, releasing their juices, and the mango will soften. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with medium heat to get things going, then reduce to low to allow flavors to meld without burning.
- Stir occasionally while it cooks. This ensures nothing sticks to the bottom and helps with even cooking.
- To check the consistency, dip a spoon into the sauce; it should be thick enough to coat the back of the spoon. Cook longer if it’s too runny.
- Let it cool! The sauce will thicken more as it cools, making it easier to spread or scoop.
Enjoy making this delicious sauce—it’s a game-changer for your meals!
Cranberry Mango Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, for a little zing)
- A pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cranberry mango sauce takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick, easy recipe, making it perfect for last-minute holiday meals or any occasion! Plus, it can be made in advance and served later.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, diced mango, sugar, and water. Stir everything together so the cranberries and mango are fully coated with sugar. This mixture will create the base of your sauce.
2. Heat to a Boil:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally to keep things from sticking to the bottom of the pan. You’ll notice the cranberries starting to pop as they heat up!
3. Simmer the Sauce:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the cranberries to burst and the mango to soften, creating a delicious, thick sauce.
4. Add Flavor Boosts:
After the cranberries have burst and the sauce is looking good, add the fresh lemon juice, grated ginger (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt. Stir everything well to combine these fresh flavors into the sauce.
5. Final Simmer:
Let the sauce simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken further. If the sauce gets too thick, you can always add a splash more water.
6. Cool and Serve:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl or jar once it’s at your desired thickness.
7. Enjoy:
This cranberry mango sauce can be served warm or chilled. It’s a great topping for turkey, pork, or even as a dip for dessert items! Enjoy the bright, sweet, and tangy flavors that will surely enhance your meals!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. Just toss them in directly without thawing, and they’ll break down nicely as they cook.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Sauce?
Leftover cranberry mango sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Yes! Feel free to adjust the sugar according to your taste. If you prefer a tangier sauce, you can reduce the sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead.
What’s a Good Way to Serve This Sauce?
This sauce is versatile! Serve it alongside roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or pork for a flavorful complement. It also makes a delicious topping for desserts like cheesecake or vanilla ice cream!
