Eating in China
Generated illustration of a bowl of XO sauce.

XO sauce

XO酱XO jiàng

A savory, often spicy oil-based condiment made with dried seafood. Many versions also contain cured pork ham.

Type
Sauces and seasonings

A CLOSER LOOK

How to recognize it

Usually a coarse reddish-brown relish with shredded dried scallop and small dried-shrimp pieces.

In the kitchen

Used to season noodles, fried rice, vegetables and other dishes, or served as a condiment.

Recipes vary in seafood, ham, oil and chili. It is not a vegetarian sauce; check the actual ingredients for dietary restrictions.

Ask about this ingredient

这道菜里有XO酱吗?

Does this dish contain XO sauce?

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