This easy sweet and sour sauce recipe is quick to make with simple ingredients like pineapple juice, tomato ketchup, vinegar, and garlic. Perfect for chicken, tofu, or stir-fries, this homemade sauce delivers the ideal balance of tangy and sweet flavors. Great for dipping or cooking, it’s a must-have for Chinese-inspired dishes and takes only 10 minutes from start to finish.
This simple homemade sweet and sour sauce is packed with tangy, garlicky flavor and the perfect balance of sweetness. It comes together in just minutes with pantry staples, making it ideal for dipping, drizzling, or tossing with your favorite stir-fry.
Ingredients
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp malt vinegar
- 150 ml (⅔ cup) tomato ketchup
- 6 tbsp light brown muscovado sugar
- 180 ml (¾ cup) pineapple juice (fresh, from a carton, or from a tin of pineapple in juice)
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients:
Add the minced garlic, ginger, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and pineapple juice to a small saucepan. Stir well to combine. - Cook the sauce:
Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. - Serve:
Remove from the heat and pour into a bowl. Serve warm, hot, or let it cool completely for later use.
Tips
- Use freshly minced garlic and ginger for the best flavor.
- Stir regularly to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning.
- If the sauce thickens too much after cooling, add a splash of water or juice to loosen it.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vinegar substitute: Use rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar if malt vinegar isn’t available.
- Make it spicy: Add a dash of chili flakes or a few drops of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Sugar options: Swap muscovado sugar for regular brown sugar or coconut sugar if needed.
- Low-sugar version: Reduce the sugar slightly and increase the pineapple juice for a naturally sweeter taste.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze sweet and sour sauce?
Yes, freeze it in small portions for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge and reheat before using.
What if I want a thicker sauce?
Let it simmer a bit longer or add 1 tsp of cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp of cold water to the simmering sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Use as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, chicken nuggets, or dumplings.
- Toss with crispy tofu, chicken, or vegetables for a quick stir-fry.
- Drizzle over grilled meats or rice bowls for extra flavor.
- Serve alongside fried rice or noodles for a full meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in under 10 minutes
- Uses common pantry ingredients
- Versatile and pairs well with many dishes
- Balanced, tangy-sweet flavor with a hint of garlic and ginger
- Perfect for meal prep, dipping, or weeknight stir-fries
Easy Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
6
servings5
minutes5
minutesIngredients
2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
2 tbsp malt vinegar
150 ml (⅔ cup) tomato ketchup
6 tbsp light brown muscovado sugar
180 ml (¾ cup) pineapple juice (fresh, from a carton, or from a tin of pineapple in juice)
Directions
- Combine the ingredients:
- Add the minced garlic, ginger, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and pineapple juice to a small saucepan. Stir well to combine.
- Cook the sauce:
- Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Serve:
- Remove from the heat and pour into a bowl. Serve warm, hot, or let it cool completely for later use.
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