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Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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