Best Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Sweet and sour sauce is a classic condiment that perfectly balances tangy and sugary flavors. This recipe creates the best homemade version, ideal for dipping, glazing, or adding a flavorful punch to your favorite dishes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup canned pineapple juice
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar (or a brown sugar alternative for a low sugar option)
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar as a substitute)
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
• Optional: 2-3 drops natural red food coloring

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Step 2: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for about one minute, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. If desired, add the red food coloring and mix well.
3. Step 3: Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool completely before using.
4. Step 4: Store the cooled sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Tips & Variations

• Use apple cider vinegar if you don’t have rice vinegar; it adds a slightly different but pleasant tang.
• For a thicker sauce, increase cornstarch slurry gradually until desired consistency is reached.
• Add finely chopped fresh pineapple pieces to enhance texture and flavor.
• Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor and lower glycemic index.

Storage

Store the sweet and sour sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. 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, making the sauce ahead allows the flavors to meld nicely. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a thickener in the same quantity as cornstarch for a similar effect.

Best Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 64 reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: About 1 1/2 cups 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This best sweet and sour sauce recipe combines pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and soy sauce to create a tangy, sweet, and flavorful sauce perfect for enhancing stir-fries, chicken, pork, or seafood dishes. It uses a simple cornstarch slurry to achieve the ideal thickness and can be customized with red food coloring for a classic appearance. The sauce is easy to make on the stovetop and stores well, making it a versatile kitchen staple.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup canned pineapple juice
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar or brown sugar alternative (for low sugar option)
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar (can substitute apple cider vinegar)
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free option)

Cornstarch Slurry

• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water

Optional

• 2–3 drops natural red food coloring

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Instructions

1. Simmer the sauce ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar and blend the flavors.
2. Thicken with cornstarch slurry: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch dissolved in water) into the boiling sauce. Continue to simmer the sauce for an additional minute, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a smooth, glossy consistency.
3. Add optional color: If desired, mix in 2-3 drops of natural red food coloring to achieve the traditional sweet and sour sauce appearance. Stir well to combine.
4. Cool and store: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool completely. Transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate. The sauce will keep well for 2-3 weeks, making it ideal for meal prep or quick use in your favorite recipes.

Notes

• You can substitute apple cider vinegar if rice vinegar is unavailable.
• Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
• Brown sugar alternatives can reduce sugar content for a lower sugar version.
• The sauce thickens quickly once the cornstarch slurry is added; do not overcook.
• Store the sauce refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian

Keywords: sweet and sour sauce, homemade sweet and sour sauce, sweet and sour recipe, Asian sauce recipe, easy sauce, gluten-free sauce, sweet and sour dipping sauce