Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce
The ultimate comfort addition to your meals, Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce is a quick and flavorful condiment that enhances any dish. With its perfect balance of sweetness and tang, this easy-to-make sauce is the ideal companion for chicken, veggies, or as a dipping sauce. Make it tonight and elevate your dining experience!
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Saucepan
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 can (6-ounce) Pineapple juice
- ¼ cup Rice vinegar
- ½ cup Brown sugar
- ¼ cup Ketchup
- 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
Instructions
- Start with a medium-sized saucepan placed over medium-high heat. Add the pineapple juice (1 six-ounce can), rice vinegar (¼ cup), brown sugar (½ cup), ketchup (¼ cup), and soy sauce (3 tablespoons). Whisk everything together until well combined.
- Allow the mixture to cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, keeping an eye on it. You’ll notice the sugar dissolving completely, and the flavors melding beautifully.
- Meanwhile, prepare your cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, combine water (2 tablespoons) and cornstarch (1 tablespoon). Whisk them together until there are no lumps.
- Once the sauce has simmered for a couple of minutes, it’s time to add the cornstarch slurry. Pour it into the saucepan while whisking continuously.
- Bring the sauce back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. This allows the sauce to bubble gently, thickening without burning.
- After about 5 minutes, check the thickness. If it coats the back of your spoon nicely, you know it’s ready. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Transfer your Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce to an airtight container for storage. It’s a great idea to taste it at this stage; you can adjust the flavors if you feel it needs more sweetness or tang.
- Once cooled, store the sauce in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two weeks, giving you plenty of time to enjoy it in various meals.
- Lastly, don’t forget to share your creation with family and friends!
Notes
- Storage: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this sauce as it may change the texture upon thawing.
- Pairing: This sauce pairs wonderfully with fried foods, grilled meats, and even as a marinade for vegetables.
- Serving Suggestions: Try it as a dip for spring rolls, chicken nuggets, or drizzled over rice and stir-fried vegetables.
- Adjust to Taste: Don’t hesitate to tweak the ingredients according to your preferences.