Name: Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: ½ cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar; ½ cup brown sugar; ⅓ cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons cold water

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There’s something downright magical about a silky, tangy Sweet and Sour Sauce, especially when it’s homemade. This flavor-packed condiment has the power to wake up everything it touches, from crispy chicken bites to humble bowls of steamed rice. With just a handful of pantry staples and less than 10 minutes of your time, you can create a vibrant sauce that bursts with nostalgic takeout flair, the perfect balance of zippy vinegar, sweet sugar, and a whisper of garlicky depth. Whether you’re looking to recreate a restaurant favorite or simply searching for a crowd-pleasing dip, this Sweet and Sour Sauce might just become your new secret weapon.

Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how delightfully simple these ingredients are! Each one has a starring role in creating the bold flavor, glossy look, and luscious texture that make this Sweet and Sour Sauce irresistible. No fancy ingredients—just real pantry heroes coming together in perfect harmony.

Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar: This is the bright, tangy backbone of the sauce; rice vinegar gives a softer touch, while apple cider vinegar delivers a fruity punch.
Brown sugar: Not just for sweetness—brown sugar lends caramel undertones and a deep amber color that makes the sauce extra appealing.
Ketchup: The secret to gorgeous color and a tomatoey richness that ties all the flavors together.
Soy sauce: A saltiness upgrade that brings savory depth and a little umami magic.
Garlic powder: Just a teaspoon adds irresistible aroma and a savory, slightly sharp bite.
Cornstarch: Your thickening hero—cornstarch gives that signature glossy, clingy texture.
Cold water: Whisks with cornstarch to make a lump-free slurry so your sauce is irresistibly smooth.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Sauce

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

Grab a small saucepan and set it over medium heat. Whisk together your vinegar (rice or apple cider), brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and garlic powder. You’ll immediately notice the fragrance—let that lift your spirits! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally so that the sugar dissolves completely and the flavors start mingling.

Step 2: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry

While your sauce base comes together, it’s time to make a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the cold water. This is key to avoiding any lumps and achieving that signature glossy finish you love in Sweet and Sour Sauce.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while whisking constantly. Keep stirring as the mixture bubbles gently. In about 2 to 3 minutes, you’ll see your sauce magically thicken and turn beautifully shiny—just what you want for dipping or drizzling!

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Take the pan off the heat and let your Sweet and Sour Sauce cool for a few minutes. This pause lets the flavors bloom and the sauce set up just right. Now, you’re ready to go wild with everything from egg rolls to meatballs!

How to Serve Sweet and Sour Sauce

Garnishes

A finishing flourish never hurt anyone! Try sprinkling finely sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or even a pop of fresh chopped cilantro on your Sweet and Sour Sauce. These little touches add vibrant color and fresh flavor to every bite.

Side Dishes

This sauce is a superstar with almost anything you can imagine: think crispy tempura veggies, juicy grilled chicken, or classic pork meatballs. It’s absolutely killer poured over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or as a lively drizzle for noodle stir-fries, transforming simple sides into show-stoppers.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun! Serve your Sweet and Sour Sauce in tiny dipping bowls for a party platter, swirl it decoratively across an entree plate, or even fill a clean squeeze bottle for playful zigzags across your favorite dishes. No matter how you serve it, expect double-dippers and recipe requests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got sauce left, just pop it into an airtight jar or container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 1 week, so you can enjoy homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce on a moment’s notice.

Freezing

Need to stash it away even longer? Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

When you’re ready to use your Sweet and Sour Sauce again, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if it’s too thick. This keeps the texture smooth and the flavors just as bold as day one.

FAQs

Can I make Sweet and Sour Sauce gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just be sure to use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, and you’ll have a totally gluten-free version of this crowd-pleasing condiment.

What proteins taste best with Sweet and Sour Sauce?

This sauce pairs beautifully with chicken, pork, tofu, shrimp, and even crispy cauliflower. If it’s golden and crunchy, you can bet this sauce will make it pop!

How do I adjust the sweetness or tartness?

If you like a tangier kick, add a splash more vinegar; for extra sweetness, toss in a spoonful of honey or extra brown sugar. It’s easy to tailor the sauce to your personal taste.

Can I make Sweet and Sour Sauce without ketchup?

You can substitute tomato paste mixed with a little extra sugar and a splash of water, but ketchup really delivers that classic takeout flavor and signature color. If possible, stick with it!

Is Sweet and Sour Sauce suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan—just check your soy sauce to be sure. It’s great for sharing at mixed-diet gatherings or as a plant-based condiment everyone will enjoy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about whipping up your own Sweet and Sour Sauce from scratch, knowing exactly what’s going in and capturing that perfect blend of flavors. If you’ve never tried making your own, give this recipe a whirl—you might just find it’s the missing piece your meals have been craving.

Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 cup 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

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Description

Learn how to make a delicious sweet and sour sauce at home with this easy recipe. Perfect as a dipping sauce or for adding flavor to your favorite dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

½ cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
½ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Slurry:

1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Create the Slurry: In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.