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Plum Recipes

Sweet, juicy and best in season during summer, plums add a rich, tangy flavour to desserts, salads and savoury meals. Here at HelloFresh, we show you how versatile they are, whether roasted, stewed or enjoyed fresh.

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How to make plum sauce at home

How to make plum sauce at home

Plum sauce is a staple in Chinese cuisine, known for its sweet, tangy flavour that pairs perfectly with duck, pork, or spring rolls. This quick homemade version uses just a few ingredients from your food subscription box and comes together in minutes.

  • Start by heating a pan over medium-high heat and adding 1 knob of butter (or 1 tsp of oil if preferred).
  • Once melted, add two plums, chopped and stones removed, and fry for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently until they begin to soften and take on a little colour.
  • Stir in 1 tsp of honey and cook for another minute.
  • Pour in 50ml of water and add ¼ tsp of chicken stock powder.
  • Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes, or until the plums have broken down and the sauce is sticky.

This sauce keeps well in the fridge and can be used throughout the week. Spoon it over grilled meats, toss it through noodles, or use it as a dipping sauce for a quick flavour boost.

The benefits of plums in cooking

The benefits of plums in cooking

Packed with goodness, plums offer a range of benefits that go beyond their delicious taste. Whether you’re baking them into desserts or cooking them down for sauces, plums bring both flavour and nutrition to your kitchen. They also shine in savoury meals, like our plum & oyster sauce chicken stir-fry recipe or the plant-based-friendly sweet-soy tofu & plum sauce recipe, where their natural tang balances rich sauces beautifully.

  • Plums are naturally high in vitamin C, antioxidants and fibre, supporting immune health and digestion as part of a balanced diet.
  • Their natural sweetness means you can often reduce added sugar when making compotes, crumbles or marinades.
  • They’re easy to preserve by freezing, stewing or turning into jam, so you can enjoy them well past summer. If you enjoy preserving fruit, take a look at our guide to freezing apples for similar tips.
  • Thanks to their vitamin C and high water content, plums can help promote hydrated, healthy-looking skin.
  • In Australia, plums are typically grown locally during the warmer months, so choosing them when they’re in season helps support local growers and reduce food miles.

They’re versatile too, working just as well in savoury dishes as they do in breakfast bowls or baked treats. Keep a punnet on hand when they’re in season and you’ll always have a quick, flavour-packed ingredient ready to go.

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