Why Make This Recipe
Sweet and sour sauce is a beloved condiment known for its delightful balance of tanginess and sweetness. It’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, or adding a splash of punch to your meals. Making this sauce at home lets you control the flavors and adjust it to your liking, ensuring it’s always fresh and delicious. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare!
How to Make Sweet and Sour 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)
Directions:
- Whisk together the pineapple juice, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and light brown sugar in a small saucepan.
- Heat the sauce over medium heat until it comes to a simmer, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Pour this slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking until the sauce thickens.
- If desired, adjust the color by adding a drop of red food coloring.
- Remove the sauce from heat.
How to Serve Sweet and Sour Sauce
Sweet and sour sauce can be served in many ways. Use it as a dip for spring rolls, chicken nuggets, or fried shrimp. You can also drizzle it over rice, stir-fried vegetables, or grilled meats for a big flavor boost. It adds a nice shine and taste to your dishes!
How to Store Sweet and Sour Sauce
To store your sweet and sour sauce, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in small portions for up to three months. Just defrost it in the fridge before using.
Tips to Make Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Taste as you go to find the right balance between sweet and sour for you.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch slurry.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. If you have fresh pineapple, you can use it instead of juice for an extra fruity punch.
Variation
You can easily customize this sweet and sour sauce. For a spicier version, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also swap out the pineapple juice for orange juice for a different fruity twist.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this sauce a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Can I use other types of vinegar?
Yes, you can use white vinegar or rice vinegar as substitutes. Each will give a slightly different flavor.
What can I use this sauce for besides dipping?
Besides dipping, you can use sweet and sour sauce in stir-fries, marinades, or as a glaze on cooked meats and vegetables. It’s very versatile!
Sweet and Sour Sauce
Ingredients
Main 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) Adjust color as desired.
Instructions
Preparation
- Whisk together the pineapple juice, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and light brown sugar in a small saucepan.
- Heat the sauce over medium heat until it comes to a simmer, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Pour this slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking until the sauce thickens.
- If desired, adjust the color by adding a drop of red food coloring.
- Remove the sauce from heat.