Basic Sweet And Sour Sauce Recipe

Whip up this incredibly versatile sweet and sour sauce in just 5 minutes! Ideal for marinades, dipping sauces, and glazing – elevate your dishes with its tangy-sweet perfection. Easy recipe for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Calories 156.8 kcal
Protein 6g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Basic Sweet And Sour Sauce

Recipe Actions

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Basic Sweet And Sour Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

How to Make Basic Sweet And Sour Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons pineapple juice, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar over medium heat.
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the sauce begins to thicken slightly. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth.
  4. Slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue to stir constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes clear, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using. Enjoy!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Elevate your dish with simple flavor boosters! A final flourish of freshly chopped herbs can add incredible brightness, while a squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving can awaken all the flavors. Don't underestimate a sprinkle of quality finishing salt or a drizzle of good olive oil to make your creation shine.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

67 g

Sugar

106g

Fat

0g

Carbs

11g