Description
This classic Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce is a vibrant and tangy condiment perfect for enhancing your favorite dishes. Made with a blend of rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce, it delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Thickened with cornstarch, this sauce is easy to prepare on the stovetop and versatile enough to be used as a dipping sauce, glaze, or stir-fry addition. Ideal for vegan diets, it’s a homemade alternative to store-bought versions that taste fresher and more flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Combine base ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce. Stir the mixture continuously until the sugar dissolves fully and the sauce begins to simmer gently.
- Prepare cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth and no lumps remain, creating a slurry to help thicken the sauce.
- Thicken the sauce: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency.
- Finish and serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sweet and sour sauce cool slightly before using. This sauce can be served warm or at room temperature with your favorite dishes.
Notes
- You can double the recipe for larger meals without altering the cooking method.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- For a fruitier variation, add a few tablespoons of pineapple juice to the sauce during step one before simmering.
