Description
A quick and easy homemade Chinese sweet and sour sauce with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, featuring a glossy finish and made with simple pantry ingredients in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, pineapple juice (if using), and soy sauce. Stir until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely.
- In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a smooth slurry.
- Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the gently boiling sauce while stirring constantly.
- Continue stirring for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Remove from heat and use immediately, or allow to cool before storing in the refrigerator.
Notes
Add extra vinegar for a tangier flavor.
For a thicker sauce, mix additional cornstarch with water and add gradually while simmering.
Enhance flavor with minced garlic or freshly grated ginger.
Increase pineapple juice or add a splash of orange juice for a fruitier taste.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
If sauce thickens after chilling, add a small splash of water while reheating.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–7 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 6 tablespoons
- Calories: 138 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
