Description
This homemade Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce is a versatile, quick-to-make recipe, offering a perfect balance of tangy vinegar, sweet brown sugar, and savory soy sauce. Customize it to your taste and use it for stir-fries, dipping sauces, or as a glaze for your favorite dishes.
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 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
Instructions
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In a small saucepan, mix together ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, pineapple juice (if using), and soy sauce.
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Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring continuously.
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In a separate small bowl, create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with water.
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Slowly add the slurry to the saucepan, stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
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Remove from heat. Use immediately or let it cool before storing in the fridge for later use.
Notes
- Adjust the tanginess by adding extra rice vinegar to taste.
- Increase cornstarch for a thicker sauce.
- Enhance flavor with minced garlic, ginger, or chili flakes.
- Pineapple juice is optional but adds a fruity touch. Replace with orange juice if needed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce, Dipping Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
