Description
This recipe for Restaurant Style Sweet and Sour Sauce offers a tangy, flavorful condiment perfect for dipping, glazing, or stir-frying. Made with a combination of pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce, it balances sweet and sour flavors with a smooth, thick texture achieved by cornstarch thickening. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a versatile sauce that can elevate numerous dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and soy sauce until well blended.
- Simmer the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to combine flavors and dissolve the sugar.
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water thoroughly to create a lump-free slurry that will thicken the sauce.
- Incorporate Slurry: Gradually whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly to avoid lumps and ensure smooth texture.
- Thicken the Sauce: Cook the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring continuously, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat, allow the sauce to cool slightly, then serve as a dip, glaze, or stir-fry sauce immediately or store for later use.
Notes
- Use rice vinegar for a milder tang or white vinegar for a sharper flavor.
- Adjust sugar quantity to control sweetness as desired.
- Make sure to stir constantly after adding the cornstarch slurry to prevent lumps.
- This sauce pairs well with chicken, pork, seafood, or vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
