Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce a perfectly tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce that enhances the flavor of appetizers, stir-fries, or works as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, chicken, or tofu. This versatile sauce is quick to prepare and adds a delicious burst of flavor to any dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple and fast this sauce is to whip up. It strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet, with a hint of spice if you want it. It’s incredibly versatile and works with a variety of dishes, from stir-fried vegetables to crispy spring rolls. Plus, it uses pantry staples, making it convenient to prepare anytime!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce until well combined. Set aside.
In another small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in water to create a slurry. Set aside.
Heat vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the ketchup mixture and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir the cornstarch slurry once more to ensure it’s well combined, then pour it into the saucepan. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
Calories: Approximately 60 kcal per serving
Variations
Spicier Sauce: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
Pineapple Sweetness: Stir in a tablespoon of pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or stevia.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Thicker Sauce: Add an additional teaspoon of cornstarch if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Storage/Reheating
Store the sweet and sour sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, I like to add a splash of water to thin it out to the desired consistency.
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FAQs
Can I freeze sweet and sour sauce?
Yes, you can freeze this sauce! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before using.
How can I make this sauce less tangy?
If it’s too tangy for your liking, reduce the rice vinegar slightly and add a bit more brown sugar to balance the flavor.
Can I use this sauce for marinating?
Absolutely! This sauce works great as a marinade for chicken, tofu, or pork. Just be sure to reserve some extra sauce for dipping later.
What can I serve with sweet and sour sauce?
This sauce pairs wonderfully with spring rolls, fried wontons, grilled chicken, stir-fried vegetables, or even over steamed rice.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of ketchup?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook and blend the tomatoes to achieve a smooth consistency similar to ketchup. Add a little extra sugar to match the sweetness of ketchup.
Conclusion
This Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce is a quick and easy recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. Whether you’re dipping crispy appetizers or adding it to a stir-fry, this sauce is sure to become a go-to favorite. It’s adaptable, flavorful, and the perfect addition to elevate any dish. Give it a try—I think you’ll love it as much as I do.
📖 Recipe
Print
Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Explore the delectable world of homemade recipes with our flavorful Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce. Perfectly balanced with sweet and tangy notes, this sauce is a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire, whether as a dipping sauce or stir-fry companion.
Ingredients
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce in a small bowl.
- Dissolve cornstarch in water to create a slurry.
- Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and optional red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.
- Pour in the ketchup mixture and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry, then add it to the saucepan. Cook and stir until thickened (1-2 minutes).
- Remove from heat, cool slightly, and serve.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
For extra flavor, add pineapple juice or sriracha.
Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Sauces & Condiments
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 60 kcal per serving
