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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
