Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Sweet and sour sauce is a classic condiment that perfectly balances tangy and sweet flavors. It’s incredibly versatile and can elevate dishes like chicken, pork, or vegetables with its vibrant taste and glossy texture.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce. Stir well to mix all the ingredients.
2. Step 2: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Step 3: Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously.
4. Step 4: Continue cooking and stirring the sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency, then remove from heat.

Tips & Variations

• For a fruitier twist, add pineapple juice or small pineapple chunks to the sauce while simmering.
• Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more sugar or vinegar according to your taste.
• Use light soy sauce for a less intense salt flavor, or tamari for a gluten-free option.

Storage

Store the sweet and sour sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat before using.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simply add a bit more cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) while simmering and stir until the sauce reaches your preferred thickness.

Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 60 reviews

This classic Sweet and Sour Sauce recipe combines a harmonious blend of sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and cornstarch to create a tangy and flavorful condiment. Perfect for pairing with fried dishes, grilled meats, or as a dipping sauce, its simple ingredients come together quickly on the stovetop to form a thick, glossy sauce.

• Author: Yana
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: About 3/4 cup sauce 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet and Sour Sauce Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup vinegar (white or rice vinegar)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water (for cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

1. Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water until fully dissolved to prevent lumps in the sauce.
2. Combine Main Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, add sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and meld the flavors.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Gradually pour in the cornstarch slurry while continuously stirring. Continue to cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens to a glossy, pourable consistency.
5. Cool and Serve: Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly before serving. Use immediately as a dipping sauce or pour over your favorite fried or grilled dishes.

Notes

• Adjust sugar or vinegar to taste for sweeter or tangier sauce.
• If a thinner sauce is desired, reduce the amount of cornstarch slurry.
• This sauce stores well in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container.
• For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

Keywords: sweet and sour sauce, homemade sauce, Chinese sauce, dipping sauce, easy sauce recipe