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Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 68 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cup
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce is a perfectly balanced, tangy, and sweet condiment that elevates any stir-fry, dipping dish, or glaze for chicken, pork, or tofu. Made with common pantry ingredients and simple cooking techniques, this sauce brings authentic flavor with a glossy, thick texture that’s easy to whip up in just 10 minutes.

Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice (optional but adds authentic flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Combine the base ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together the rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until all the sugar has dissolved completely.
  2. Prepare the cornstarch slurry: In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water together until fully combined to create a smooth slurry, which will act as the thickening agent for the sauce.
  3. Thicken the sauce: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. Maintain medium heat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce reaches a thick, glossy consistency according to your preference.
  4. Finish and cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sweet and sour sauce to cool slightly before serving. This will help it thicken further and meld the flavors.

Notes

  • This versatile sauce is ideal as a dipping sauce, stir-fry sauce, or glaze for chicken, pork, or tofu.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • Adjust the level of sweetness or tanginess by increasing or decreasing the amounts of sugar and vinegar to suit your personal taste.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/chinese-sweet-and-sour-sauce-recipe-2/