BEST Sweet and Sour Sauce
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
2 mins
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Cook Time
3 mins
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Total Time
5 mins
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Servings
16 servings
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Calories
52 kcal
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Course
Condiments
BEST Sweet and Sour Sauce
Description
The BEST Sweet and Sour Sauce recipe starts by combining pineapple juice, packed brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and salt in a saucepan brought to a boil. A cornstarch slurry is whisked in to thicken the mixture, then simmered briefly until it reaches a glossy, syrupy consistency. The sauce is cooled before storage. An optional addition of red food coloring can give the sauce a traditional red tint often seen in takeout dishes.
This sauce delivers a balanced mix of sweet and tangy flavors with a smooth texture suitable for glazing, dipping, or stir-fry finishes. Choosing canned or bottled pineapple juice is critical since fresh juice contains enzymes that degrade the cornstarch, which would prevent thickening.
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the sauce remains good for 2-3 weeks, making it convenient to prepare in advance and use as needed.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pineapple juice see note, canned
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar packed
- brown sugar for low sugar option, or alternative
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar , found in the Asian or general vinegar section of any grocery store, or you can substitute apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (GF
- cornstarch slurry: 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
- red food coloring optional, natural, 2-3 drops
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients, except for the cornstarch slurry, in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for another minute until thickened, stirring constantly. If using red food coloring, stir it in.
- Let the sauce cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will keep for 2-3 weeks.
Notes
- Use canned or bottled pineapple juice, not fresh, to ensure the sauce thickens properly since fresh juice contains enzymes that break down cornstarch.
- Store the cooled sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 52 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2tablespoons | |
| Calories | 52kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Sodium | 154mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 47mg | 1% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 15IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 1.7mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 11mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.2mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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