Description
This recipe for The Best Sweet and Sour Sauce is an incredible, easy-to-make addition to your kitchen. It offers a perfect balance of tangy sweetness that enhances various dishes, from grilled chicken to stir-fried vegetables. Enjoy a homemade sauce that’s superior to store-bought options.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon pineapple juice (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- A pinch of salt (to taste)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, white vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce. Stir until well combined.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.
- In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry.
- Once the sauce is heated, slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan while stirring to thicken the sauce.
- If desired, mix in pineapple juice and garlic powder for additional flavor.
- Continue to heat the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken further while stirring.
- Taste the sauce and add a pinch of salt, if needed, to enhance the overall flavor.
- Remove from heat, and allow the sauce to cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Experiment with spices like ginger or chili flakes for a unique twist.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as you cook to achieve your preferred sweet and sour balance.
- This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- For variations, consider adding pureed mango for a tropical flavor, sriracha for a spicy kick, or orange/lemon juice for a citrus twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg