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Tangy sweet-savory citrus-based sauce
In season: Winter · Spring
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
1 tablespoon (medium) of Citrus sauce (18 g) has 15 calories. That works out to 86 calories per 100 g. It contains 3.6 g of carbs, 0.1 g of protein, 0 g of fat and 0.1 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 45 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Selected: 1 tablespoon (medium) · 18 g
15
KCAL / 18G
Carbs
3.6g
· 1% DV
Protein
0.1g
· 0% DV
Fat
0g
· 0% DV
Fiber
0.1g
· 0% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 97% · Protein 3% · Fat 0%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 15 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.01 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 58 mg | 3% |
| Total carbohydrate | 3.6 g | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.1 g | 0% |
| Protein | 0.1 g | 0% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (medium) | 18 g | 15 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (small) | 6 g | 5 kcal |
| 1 serving (small) | 30 g | 26 kcal |
| 2 tablespoon (double) | 36 g | 31 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 50 g | 43 kcal |
| 0.25 cup (quarter) | 60 g | 52 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 80 g | 69 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 86 kcal |
| ½ cup (half) | 120 g | 103 kcal |
Calculated from 86 calories per 100 g.
Citrus sauce is made with juice or zest from fruits such as oranges, lemons, or limes, often balanced with oil, a sweetener, and seasonings. Recipes vary: some are light dressings, while others are simmered into a thicker glaze.
To make citrus sauce, combine citrus juice and finely grated zest with oil and seasonings, then taste and balance the acidity with a little sweetener if needed. For a thicker sauce, simmer it gently until reduced or add a small amount of starch slurry.
Citrus sauce pairs especially well with fish, chicken, roasted vegetables, and grain bowls. Spoon it over cooked food just before serving, or use a thinner version as a salad dressing so its bright flavor does not overpower the ingredients.
Citrus sauce can taste bitter when the white pith beneath the peel gets into the zest or when too much zest is used. Grate only the colored outer peel and avoid prolonged, aggressive boiling, which can concentrate bitter flavors.
Simmer citrus sauce gently to evaporate some of its liquid, stirring so the sugars do not scorch. For a quicker glossy finish, whisk in a little starch mixed with cold water and cook briefly until the sauce thickens.
Yes, citrus sauce works well with salmon, especially when added after cooking or brushed on near the end. Its acidity brightens the fish, but leaving salmon in a strongly acidic sauce for a long time can affect its texture.
Add a small amount of honey, sugar, or another sweetener to make citrus sauce less sour, tasting as you go. A little oil or butter can also soften the sharpness without masking the citrus flavor.
Yes, citrus sauce can usually be made ahead and refrigerated in a clean, airtight container. Stir it before serving, since oil and juice may separate, and use it within a few days; discard it if its smell or appearance changes.
For a quick substitute for citrus sauce, mix lemon juice with olive oil and seasoning for savory dishes, or combine orange juice with a little vinegar for a sweeter glaze. The result will be thinner unless you reduce it or thicken it.
Yes, citrus sauce can marinate chicken or meat, but keep the marinating time short because citrus acidity can change the surface texture. Do not reuse marinade that touched raw meat unless you bring it to a full boil first.
Vitamins
Vitamin C
2.16mg · 2% DV
B1
0.01mg · 1% DV
B6
0.01mg · 1% DV
Folate
1.44µg · 0% DV
Minerals
Sodium
58mg · 3% DV
Copper
0.01mg · 1% DV
Potassium ⭐
17mg · 1% DV
Magnesium
1.44mg · 0% DV
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 15 calories in 1 tablespoon (medium) (18 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
Citrus sauce is a sweet-tangy, sometimes savoury sauce built around citrus juice or zest. Recipes vary: it may be smooth or chunky, and the balance of sweetness and sharpness depends on the fruit and other seasonings used. It is not tied to one particular regional recipe.
Its bright flavour works well with grilled fish or chicken, roasted vegetables, salads and grain bowls. Use it as a dressing, a dip or a finishing sauce, as suits the dish. It is low in fat, with most of its energy coming from carbohydrates. For a lighter meal, use a modest spoonful to add plenty of flavour without letting the sauce overwhelm the other ingredients.
Low
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Low
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
No known major allergens
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
0.01g
MONOUNSATURATED
0g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.01g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.