You'll love this sweet-and-sour sauce recipe if you're a fan of Chinese cuisine's sweet and tangy flavor! This versatile condiment is a staple in many Asian-inspired dishes, and it's easy to see why. Its mouthwatering combination of sweet and sour flavors can add a delicious twist to everything from appetizers to main courses. Whether you prefer a sweeter or tangier sauce, you can adjust the recipe to create the perfect balance of flavors. So why not add some extra zing to your next meal with homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce?
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What is Sweet and sour sauce?
The sweet and sour sauce is a popular condiment in Chinese cuisine, known for its unique combination of sweet and tangy flavors. It is typically made with a blend of sugar, vinegar, and various other seasonings and ingredients, such as soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sometimes fruit juices like pineapple or orange. The sweet and sour sauce can be used as a dipping sauce for appetizers like egg rolls or as a glaze for meats like pork or chicken. It can also be added to stir-fried dishes or served as a sauce over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Knorr reduced-sodium chicken bouillon: Adds a savory flavor and depth to the sauce.
- Dole canned Pineapple juice or water: Provides a sweet and tangy flavor to the sauce. Pineapple juice is a common ingredient in sweet and sour sauce recipes.
- Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Provides acidity and tanginess to the sauce. Rice vinegar is a staple ingredient in many Asian cuisines.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor to the sauce. Soy sauce is commonly used in Asian cooking.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds heat and a spicy kick to the sauce. The amount can be adjusted to personal taste.
- Shaoxing wine: Adds depth of flavor and complexity to the sauce. Shaoxing wine is a type of Chinese rice wine commonly used in cooking.
- Garlic cloves: Provides a pungent and savory flavor to the sauce.
- Ketchup: Adds sweetness, tanginess, and thickness to the sauce. Ketchup is a common ingredient in sweet and sour sauce recipes.
- Fresh ginger: Adds a bright and slightly spicy flavor to the sauce. Ginger is a common ingredient in many Asian dishes.
- Peanut oil: Used to sauté the garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes, adding a nutty flavor to the sauce.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Thick the sauce to achieve the desired consistency. Cornstarch is commonly used as a thickening agent in sauces and gravies.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Sweet and Sour Sauce
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Heat a saucepan over high heat and add the oil. When the oil is hot, add ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and stir-fry until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the pineapple juice, chicken bouillon, soy sauce, rice vinegar, Shaoxing wine, and light brown sugar, boil, and then reduce the heat to medium. Add the ketchup and cornstarch slurry, and let simmer for 2 minutes.
Blend the sauce with an immersion or standard blender until smooth enough for your taste. If using a standard blender, leave the hole in the lid open, cover it with a clean dishtowel to allow the heat to escape), and pour it back into the saucepan.
Let cool and transfer to a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Substitutions
For the Dough:
- Instant Dry Yeast: You can use active dry yeast instead, but you'll need to proof it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dough.
- Honey: Substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown rice syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Milk: If you prefer a non-dairy option, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or other plant-based milk.
- Unsalted Butter: Use a vegan butter substitute to make the recipe dairy-free.
- Eggs: For a vegan version, you can replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
Filling:
- Nuts: If you have nut allergies or prefer a nut-free option, you can omit the pecans or walnuts or use crushed cookies or graham crackers for texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Use a non-dairy butter substitute or coconut oil for a vegan version.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream Cheese: You can use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute to make a vegan frosting.
- Unsalted Butter: Replace with non-dairy margarine or coconut oil for a vegan option.
- Powdered Sugar: If you prefer a less refined option, use powdered coconut sugar or make your powdered sugar from organic cane sugar.
Variations
- Spicy Variations: Add more red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers if you like your sauce with a kick of heat. You can also add a few drops of hot sauce or chili paste.
- Garlic and Ginger Variations: Adjust the amount of garlic and ginger in the recipe to suit your preferences. You can also try using minced shallots or leeks for a different flavor.
- Vinegar Variations: Instead of using rice vinegar, try using other types of vinegar like apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.
- Sweetener Variations: Instead of brown sugar, try using honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar for a different sweetness level and flavor.
How to Serve
Sweet and Sour Sauce is a versatile condiment that can be served in many ways. It can be used as a dipping sauce for appetizers like egg rolls, dumplings, or chicken skewers or as a glaze for grilled or roasted meats like pork chops, chicken thighs, or salmon fillets. It's also an excellent sauce for stir-fries, adding a tangy and flavorful element to vegetables and meats.
If you want to add some zing to your salads, you can use the sauce mixed with oil as a dressing. Additionally, it can be served as a condiment for sandwiches, wraps, or burgers to add a unique flavor. Sweet and Sour Sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in many dishes and elevate the taste of your favorite foods.
How to Store & Reheat
To store: Properly storing and reheating Sweet and Sour Sauce ensures its freshness and flavor. After the sauce has cooled to room temperature, it should be transferred to a sealed container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. When reheating the sauce, if it has thickened in the fridge, a small amount of water or pineapple juice can be added and whisked together until it reaches the desired consistency.
To reheat: The sauce can then be reheated on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until heated. It's important to note that the sauce may degrade in quality over time in the refrigerator, so it's best to use it within 2 weeks. The sauce should be discarded immediately if any mold, discoloration, or off odor is detected. With proper storage and reheating, Sweet and Sour Sauce can be enjoyed in various dishes for weeks.
Make-Ahead
Sweet and Sour Sauce can be made ahead of time, which is convenient for those who want to save time during meal prep. After making the sauce, it should be cooled to room temperature and transferred to a sealed container. It can then be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Then, when ready to use, the sauce can be reheated according to the instructions for reheating. Making Sweet and Sour Sauce ahead of time allows you to have a delicious sauce ready to use whenever needed.
Whether planning a big meal or saving time during weeknight dinners, this make-ahead option is a great way to enjoy the sweet and tangy flavor of the sauce without the extra prep time. Store the sauce properly in the refrigerator and reheat it thoroughly before using it.
Tips for Making The Best Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Use quality ingredients: High-quality ingredients, like fresh ginger and garlic, can enhance the sauce's flavor.
- Balance the sweet and sour flavors: Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to balance the sweet and sour flavors. Taste the sauce as you go and adjust as needed.
- Don't overcook the sauce: Overcooking the sauce can cause it to thicken too much and lose its flavor. Simmer the sauce until it has thickened and coats the back of a spoon, but don't let it boil too long.
- Blend the sauce: Using an immersion blender or standard blender can help achieve a smooth consistency and enhance the flavors of the sauce.
- Let the sauce cool before storing: Letting it cool to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator can help prevent bacterial growth.
- Customize the sauce: Don't be afraid to customize the seasoning with additional ingredients like pineapple chunks, bell peppers, or chili paste to suit your preferences.
FAQ
How do I thicken the Sauce?
To thicken Sweet and Sour Sauce, add a cornstarch slurry or continue to simmer the sauce until it has thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
How can I adjust the level of sweetness in Sweet and Sour Sauce?
To adjust the level of sweetness in Sweet and Sour Sauce, you can add more or less sugar, honey, or another sweetener to achieve the desired sweetness level.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar?
You can use apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar in Sweet and Sour Sauce.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple juice in Sweet and Sour Sauce?
You can use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple juice. Blend fresh pineapple in a blender and strain the juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove any pulp.
Can this be made without soy sauce for those with soy allergies?
Sweet and Sour Sauce can be made without soy sauce. Instead, you can use a soy sauce substitute like coconut aminos or tamari sauce, both soy-free options.
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Recipe
Easy Sweet and Sour Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon Knorr reduced-sodium chicken bouillon
- 1 cup Dole canned Pineapple juice or water
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 5 Garlic cloves , minced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger , grated
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil
For the Cornstarch Slurry:
- 1-½ tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Heat a saucepan over high heat and add the oil. When the oil is hot, add ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes and stir-fry just until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the pineapple juice, chicken bouillon, soy sauce, rice vinegar, Shaoxing wine, and light brown sugar and bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium. Add the ketchup and cornstarch slurry, and let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender or a standard blender, blend the sauce until smooth enough for your taste. If using a standard blender, leave the hole in the lid open, cover with a clean dishtowel to allow the heat to escape), and pour it back into the saucepan.
- Let cool and transfer to a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- To store: Properly storing and reheating Sweet and Sour Sauce ensures its freshness and flavor. After the sauce has cooled to room temperature, it should be transferred to a sealed container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. When reheating the sauce, if it has thickened in the fridge, a small amount of water or pineapple juice can be added and whisked together until it reaches the desired consistency.
- To reheat: The sauce can then be reheated on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until heated. It's important to note that the sauce may degrade in quality over time in the refrigerator, so it's best to use it within 2 weeks. The sauce should be discarded immediately if any mold, discoloration, or off odor is detected. With proper storage and reheating, Sweet and Sour Sauce can be enjoyed in various dishes for weeks.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.