BEST Sweet and Sour Sauce

BEST Sweet and Sour Sauce

16 servings
Making your own sweet and sour sauce couldn't be any easier!  Plus it's free of junk ingredients and tastes MUCH better than store-bought!

Ingredients

  • canned pineapple juice (

    see note

    1 c
  • packed light brown sugar
    ¾ c
  • or brown sugar alternative ((for low sugar option
  • rice vinegar (

    found in the asian or general vinegar section of any grocery store, or you can substitute apple cider vinegar

    ⅓ c
  • ketchup
    3 tbsp
  • soy sauce or tamari (gf
    2 tbsp
  • for the cornstarch slurry: 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
  • optional: 2-3 drops natural red food coloring

Directions

  1. 1

    Place all of the ingredients, except for the cornstarch slurry, in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for another minute until thickened, stirring constantly. If using red food coloring, stir it in.

  2. 2

    Let the sauce cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will keep for 2-3 weeks.

BEST Sweet and Sour Sauce

BEST Sweet and Sour Sauce

5.0(818)5 min16 servings52 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 818 ratings

daringgourmet.com
5.0(818 reviews)
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Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Tired of dull, store-bought sweet and sour sauce? You're about to discover how incredibly easy it is to create your own vibrant, flavorful sweet and sour sauce right in your kitchen. This recipe delivers a superior taste and quality that store-bought versions simply can't match, all without any questionable ingredients.

Why This Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce Works

The magic of this sauce lies in its simplicity and fresh ingredients. Crafted in just minutes, it combines the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that elevate any dish. You'll love that it's free of artificial junk, offering a clean flavor profile that truly shines.

Expect a beautifully glossy, rich sauce with a perfectly balanced profile. It's wonderfully versatile, coating everything from crispy chicken to stir-fried vegetables with its bright, delectable essence. This recipe is refreshingly simple to make, proving that the best flavors often come from the freshest and most straightforward approaches.

Customization & Variations

This sweet and sour sauce is wonderfully adaptable to your pantry and dietary needs. For a low sugar option, you can use a brown sugar alternative. If you don't have rice vinegar on hand, apple cider vinegar makes a great substitute. You can also easily swap tamari for soy sauce to make this sauce gluten-free. For a visually appealing pop, consider adding a couple of drops of natural red food coloring.

Serve this versatile sweet and sour sauce with your favorite Asian-inspired meals, spring rolls, or even as a dipping sauce for homemade chicken nuggets. It's the perfect condiment for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Frequently Asked Questions