McDonald’s Sweet and Spicy Jam, is a delicious sauce that adds a punch to your meal.
I really like that it’s a perfect blend of sweetness with a touch of heat.
You won’t need an extensive list of ingredients to replicate this at home. Some strawberry jam and Asian tomato chili sauce will do the trick.
Make sure to sieve your jam for a smooth texture, and don’t skip the Szechuan pepper for that authentic, tingly kick—I promise you won’t regret it!
How to Make McDonald’s Sweet and Spicy Jam Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Strawberry Jam (sieved)
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1 tsp Cornstarch
- 1 tbsp Light Corn Syrup
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Red Bell Pepper Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Szechuan Peppercorn Oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Start by mixing water and cornstarch in a small bowl until they are well combined.
This creates a smooth base for your sauce.
Step 2:
Sieve the strawberry jam to remove fruit pieces or seeds.
Make sure you have 1/4 cup of smooth jam for the perfect texture.
Step 3:
Add the sieved jam, corn syrup, apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper, red bell pepper powder, salt, and Szechuan peppercorn oil to the cornstarch mixture.
Mix thoroughly.
Step 4:
Transfer the mixture to a saucepan over low heat.
Cook and stir constantly until the jam sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 5:
Allow the sauce to cool before serving.
This helps the flavors develop beautifully.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Ingredients
Make sure to use fresh strawberry jam for the best flavor and texture in your sauce.
The fresh jam will provide a vibrant and authentic taste that really makes the sauce shine!
Adjust the Heat
Feel free to adjust the cayenne and Szechuan pepper levels to match your preferred level of spiciness.
It’s all about customizing the heat to your taste preferences.
Storage Advice
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
This helps maintain freshness and allows you to enjoy the sauce for up to a week!
What to Serve with McDonald’s Sweet and Spicy Jam
Classic Fries
There’s nothing like a side of crispy fries to pair with your dipping sauce.
The saltiness of the fries highlights the unique blend of sweet and spicy flavors in the jam.
Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets are another traditional pairing that you won’t want to skip.
The crispy, juicy texture of the nuggets complements the sauce just perfectly.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Looking for something different?
Try using this sauce with a grilled cheese sandwich.
The melted cheese and toasted bread offer a contrast to the vibrant flavors of the jam.
Sweet Potato Wedges
If you’re up for trying something new, sweet potato wedges can be a treat to serve with the jam.
Their natural sweetness pairs well with the jam and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Spring Rolls
For a twist, serve your dipping sauce with some fresh spring rolls.
The fresh veggies and soft rice paper can be elevated with the zing of the sweet and spicy jam.
Enjoy this experimenting and have fun!
Variations and Substitutions
You can easily swap out the strawberry jam with other fruit jams like raspberry or apricot for a different flavor twist!
For a different kind of heat, try replacing cayenne pepper with chopped fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or rice vinegar works just as well.
Sweetness Levels
Adjust the sweetness by using honey or maple syrup instead of corn syrup.
Taste as you go to find your preferred balance!
Spice Alternatives
Feel free to use chili flakes or smoked paprika to add complexity to the mix.
These ingredients can change the character of the sauce while keeping the spice.
Don’t worry about sticking strictly to one recipe; the beauty of cooking is having fun with it!
How to Store Leftover Sweet and Spicy Jam
When you’ve made a batch of that tasty sweet and spicy jam, you’ll want to store leftovers properly.
Start by pouring the jam into a clean, airtight container.
Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the jam to prevent a skin from forming.
Seal the container tightly with its lid.
Store it in the refrigerator where it can last for up to two weeks.
Freezing for Longer Storage
If you don’t plan to use the jam soon, freezing is a fantastic option.
Transfer the jam into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion.
Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
The jam can be safely stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Thawing Frozen Jam
When you’re ready to use the frozen jam, ensure you thaw it properly.
Put the frozen container in the refrigerator overnight for a slow thaw.
Avoid using a microwave to thaw as it can affect consistency.
Enjoy this versatile jam whenever you’re ready!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incorrect Measurements
One common mistake is not measuring the ingredients accurately.
Make sure you follow the recipe closely and use precise amounts.
Even a small deviation can change the flavor significantly!
Skipping the Sieve Process
It’s tempting to skip sieving the strawberry jam.
However, removing fruit pieces or seeds is crucial for a smooth texture.
Don’t overlook this step if you want that authentic feel!
Ignoring Ingredient Adjustments
Many people forget to adjust the spice levels to their taste preferences.
The cayenne pepper and Szechuan peppercorn oil add quite the punch!
Experiment by starting with less and gradually increasing to suit your taste.
McDonald's Sweet and Spicy Jam Recipe
- 1/4 cup Strawberry Jam sieved
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1 tsp Cornstarch
- 1 tbsp Light Corn Syrup
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Red Bell Pepper Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Szechuan Peppercorn Oil
- Start by mixing water and cornstarch in a small bowl until they are well combined.
- This creates a smooth base for your sauce.
- Sieve the strawberry jam to remove fruit pieces or seeds.
- Make sure you have 1/4 cup of smooth jam for the perfect texture.
- Add the sieved jam, corn syrup, apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper, red bell pepper powder, salt, and Szechuan peppercorn oil to the cornstarch mixture.
- Mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to a saucepan over low heat.
- Cook and stir constantly until the jam sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Allow the sauce to cool before serving.
- This helps the flavors develop beautifully.
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