Name: Sweet and Sour Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 ounces pineapple juice; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water; 1 to 2 drops red food coloring, optional

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This homemade sweet and sour sauce is the perfect accompaniment for your favorite dishes. Whether you’re dipping crispy appetizers, drizzling over stir-fries, or adding a burst of flavor to grilled meats, this sauce delivers the ideal balance of tanginess, savory depth, and a touch of sweetness. Quick and easy to make, it’s an essential recipe that will elevate any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sweet and sour sauce is incredibly versatile and easy to whip up in just 10 minutes. Made with ingredients you likely already have on hand, like pineapple juice, ketchup, and brown sugar, it offers a wonderful balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. You can adjust the sweetness or tartness to your preference, and the sauce can be used as a dip, glaze, or topping for everything from egg rolls to chicken skewers. Plus, it’s a great way to make your dishes shine without relying on store-bought versions. Sweet and Sour Sauce

Ingredients

6 ounces pineapple juice
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
1 to 2 drops red food coloring, optional

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a small saucepan, whisk together pineapple juice, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and light brown sugar.
Heat the sauce over medium heat until it comes to a simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water to form a slurry.
Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, whisking until the sauce thickens.
If desired, add 1-2 drops of red food coloring to achieve the classic bright red color, stirring until evenly combined.
Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2 cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

Spicy Sweet and Sour Sauce: Add a dash of chili flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha sauce to give the sauce a little heat.
No Red Dye Option: If you prefer to avoid food coloring, the sauce still tastes great without it, although it won’t have the signature red hue.
Low-Sugar Version: For a lower-sugar option, use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to replace the light brown sugar.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover sweet and sour sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Reheating: Reheat the sauce gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, simply add a splash of water or pineapple juice and stir until it reaches the desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I make sweet and sour sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. It will save you time when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or rice vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

Absolutely! You can increase or decrease the amount of brown sugar to your liking, or use a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie version.

Is this sweet and sour sauce suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, this sauce is vegan as long as the soy sauce used is gluten-free and vegan-friendly.

Can I use this sauce as a glaze for grilled meats?

Yes, this sweet and sour sauce works beautifully as a glaze for chicken or even tofu. Simply brush it on during the last few minutes of grilling.

Is it possible to make this sauce spicier?

Yes! You can add chili flakes, sriracha, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to make the sauce spicier to your taste.

How can I make this sauce thicker or thinner?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry. To make it thinner, simply add more pineapple juice or water.

Can I use fresh pineapple juice instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple juice can be substituted for canned pineapple juice for a fresher taste. Just make sure it’s pure pineapple juice with no added sugar.

How long does the sweet and sour sauce last in the fridge?

It will last up to one week in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze sweet and sour sauce?

Yes, you can freeze the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm up on the stove or in the microwave.

Conclusion

This homemade sweet and sour sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that will elevate your dishes. With simple ingredients and just a few minutes of cooking, you’ll have a versatile sauce that’s ideal for dipping, drizzling, or glazing. Customize it to your taste, and enjoy the delicious results every time!