Sweet and Sour Sauce: the easy recipe for making Chinese sauce at home

Sweet and sour sauce is a vibrant, tangy, and slightly sweet condiment that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, from crispy fried chicken to stir-fried vegetables. This homemade version is fresher, more flavorful, and free from artificial additives. Whether you're dipping, drizzling, or coating your favorite dish, this sauce will bring the perfect balance of flavors.

What Is Sweet and Sour Sauce?

Sweet and sour sauce is a popular condiment in Asian cuisine, particularly in Chinese-American cooking. Traditionally, it combines sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce for a balance of sweetness and acidity. It’s commonly used as a dipping sauce for appetizers like egg rolls and spring rolls or as a glaze for proteins like chicken, pork, and shrimp.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Flavors – A harmonious mix of tangy vinegar, sweet sugar, and savory soy sauce.
• Versatile – Great for dipping, glazing, and stir-frying.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 10 minutes with simple ingredients.
• No Preservatives – Fresher and healthier than store-bought versions.

Cooking Tips

• Adjust the Sweetness & Tanginess – Add more sugar for a sweeter taste or more vinegar for extra tang.
• Thickening the Sauce – Cornstarch is the key to achieving the perfect consistency.
• Enhance the Flavor – A splash of pineapple juice adds an extra layer of fruity sweetness.
• Spice It Up – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

How to Store

Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Stir well before using, as ingredients may separate over time.

How to Freeze

To freeze, pour the sauce into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop, adding a little water if needed to restore consistency.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Sauce

Place white vinegar, sugar, water, soy sauce, ketchup and cornstarch in a saucepan. Whisk to combine.

Turn on the fire and let it heat up until the sauce thickens, stirring continuously. Taste and adjust the sauce by adding more sugar if it is too sour or more vinegar if it is too sweet. Pour the sauce into a cold container.

Serve and enjoy!