Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Sweet and sour sauce is a vibrant, tangy condiment that perfectly balances fruity sweetness with a mild tang. It’s a versatile sauce that adds a delicious punch to dishes like fried chicken, pork, or vegetables.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces pineapple juice
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 to 2 drops red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk together pineapple juice, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and light brown sugar in a small saucepan.
- Step 2: Heat the sauce over medium heat until it comes to a simmer and all ingredients are well combined.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Step 4: If desired, add 1 to 2 drops of red food coloring to adjust the color of the sauce.
- Step 5: Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar for a slightly sharper taste.
- If you prefer a chunkier sauce, add small pineapple chunks when heating.
- Use cornstarch slurry to achieve the perfect thick consistency without lumps.
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 smoothness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Just reheat it gently before serving.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of arrowroot powder or potato starch for thickening.
PrintSweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
A classic homemade sweet and sour sauce combining tangy pineapple juice, tomato ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of soy sauce, thickened to perfection with a cornstarch slurry. This versatile sauce is perfect for dipping or adding a zesty flair to your favorite dishes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 3/4 cup 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 6 ounces pineapple juice
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 to 2 drops red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the base ingredients: Whisk together pineapple juice, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and light brown sugar in a small saucepan until fully blended.
- Heat the sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and heat until the mixture comes to a simmer, ensuring all ingredients are fully combined and the sugar has dissolved.
- Prepare the thickening slurry: In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry that will thicken the sauce evenly.
- Thicken the sauce: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while whisking continuously. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Adjust color (optional): Add 1 to 2 drops of red food coloring if you prefer a richer red hue in your sauce.
- Finish and serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly before using or storing.
Notes
- This sauce can be refrigerated for up to one week in an airtight container.
- Adjust sugar levels according to sweetness preference.
- Food coloring is optional and can be omitted without affecting flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure soy sauce used is gluten-free.
- The sauce pairs well with fried or grilled chicken, pork, or vegetables.
Keywords: sweet and sour sauce, homemade sauce, pineapple sauce, dipping sauce, Chinese sauce
