Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Sweet & sour sauce is a classic condiment that adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to your favorite dishes. Perfect for dipping or drizzling, this easy homemade version is ready in minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
- 200ml pineapple juice
- 100g light brown soft sugar
- 4 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornflour
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the pineapple juice, light brown sugar, tomato ketchup, soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture just begins to simmer.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the cornflour with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the saucepan and whisk continuously until the sauce thickens to a glossy, saucy consistency.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more sugar or vinegar to taste.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use fresh pineapple juice if possible for a brighter flavor.
Storage
Store the sweet & sour sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the smooth texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use cornstarch instead of cornflour?
Yes, cornstarch works just as well as cornflour for thickening this sauce.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely, this recipe contains no animal products and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
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Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup of sauce 1x
Description
This classic sweet and sour sauce combines pineapple juice, brown sugar, tomato ketchup, soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar to create a balanced, flavorful condiment. Thickened with cornflour, it’s perfect for drizzling over stir-fries, dipping, or glazing your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
Sweet & Sour Sauce Ingredients
- 200ml pineapple juice
- 100g light brown soft sugar
- 4 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- 1 tbsp water (for cornflour slurry)
Instructions
- Combine liquid ingredients: In a small saucepan, pour the pineapple juice, light brown sugar, tomato ketchup, soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar together. Stir to combine.
- Simmer sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk continuously as the mixture heats up. Bring it to just under a simmer, ensuring the sugar dissolves and ingredients blend smoothly.
- Prepare cornflour slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornflour with 1 tablespoon of water until it forms a smooth slurry without lumps.
- Thicken sauce: Gradually pour the cornflour slurry into the simmering sauce while whisking continuously to prevent clumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens into a glossy, saucy consistency.
- Serve: Remove from heat once thickened. Use immediately as a dipping sauce, or pour over your favorite stir-fries or dishes.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornflour slurry gradually until desired thickness is reached.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar to suit your taste preferences.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce if needed to make the sauce gluten-free.
- This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to one week—reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: sweet and sour sauce, pineapple sauce, easy sauce recipe, Chinese sauce, stir-fry sauce
