Spiced Orange Ginger-Soy Dipping Sauce

Step 1

Place the sugar in a 4-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until sugar is melted and light golden. Remove from heat and carefully add 1/2 cup water, avoiding splatters.

Step 2

Add ginger, shallot, garlic, lemon grass, scallions, cilantro, and habanero pepper. Stir well, and return to medium heat. Simmer until reduced to a thin glaze, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add lime juice and orange juice. Add soy sauce to taste. Strain through a fine-meshed sieve, discarding solids. Serve at room temperature; may be refrigerated for up to one week.