Description
A quick and versatile Chinese sweet and sour sauce that balances tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, perfect for stir-fries, dipping snacks, or grilled meats.
Ingredients
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
1/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
2 tbsp pineapple juice (or water for a less sweet version)
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water
1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
1/4 tsp ginger powder (optional)
1/2 tbsp sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice over medium heat.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry.
- Gradually add the slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Stir in garlic powder, ginger powder, and sesame oil if using, and adjust sweetness or tanginess by adding extra sugar or vinegar if needed.
- Use the sauce immediately or let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Adjust thickness by adding water or pineapple juice to thin, or simmer longer to thicken.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks.
Reheat gently on stove or microwave, stirring occasionally.
Optional ingredients add extra flavor but can be omitted.
Substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch if desired.
For a spicy kick, add chili paste or sriracha.
For less sweetness, reduce sugar or replace pineapple juice with water.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop simmering
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
