Description
This restaurant-style sweet and sour sauce is a perfect blend of pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, and sugar, thickened with cornstarch for a glossy finish. It is quick to prepare and adds a tangy, sweet flavor ideal as a dip, glaze, or stir-fry sauce, elevating your dishes with a balanced and vibrant taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet and Sour 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
- Mix the liquids and seasonings: In a medium saucepan, whisk together pineapple juice, rice vinegar or white vinegar, ketchup, granulated sugar, and soy sauce until well combined.
- Heat the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and blend the flavors.
- Prepare the cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water, stirring thoroughly to create a smooth slurry without lumps.
- Thicken the sauce: Gradually whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering saucepan, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and promote even thickening.
- Simmer until thickened: Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired thick and glossy consistency, maintaining a gentle simmer and stirring regularly.
- Finish and serve: Remove the saucepan from heat, allow the sauce to cool slightly, then serve as a versatile dip, glaze, or stir-fry sauce to enhance your dishes.
Notes
- Use rice vinegar for a milder tang or white vinegar for a sharper flavor depending on your preference.
- Adjust sugar quantity to tweak the sweetness level.
- Stir continuously when adding the cornstarch slurry to avoid clumps.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
