Dinner

Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

ByLana Polati April 7, 2026April 7, 2026

Introduction

Sweet and sour sauce is a classic condiment that brightens up any dish with its perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. This homemade version is quick to make and free of preservatives, making it a delicious complement to stir-fries, chicken, or dipping sauces.

A close-up view of a shiny silver metal bowl filled with a thick, smooth, red sauce that has an even texture with small bubbles. The sauce covers the entire bottom of the bowl, and a silver spoon is partially dipped into the sauce, lifting a portion to show its glossy, sticky surface. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2/3 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup ketchup
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1-2 drops red gel food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple juice, orange juice, soy sauce, light brown sugar, white sugar, rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and garlic powder. Whisk well to mix.
Step 2: In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch and water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved, then add it to the saucepan mixture. Whisk again to combine thoroughly.
Step 3: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a light boil, stirring or whisking constantly.
Step 4: Continue stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess as desired.
Step 5: If you want a more vibrant red color, add 1-2 drops of red gel food coloring and stir well.
Step 6: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra fruitiness, add small chunks of pineapple during cooking or as a garnish.
Use less sugar if you prefer a tangier sauce.
Substitute rice vinegar with white vinegar if needed, but the flavor will be slightly different.
To make the sauce gluten-free, double-check that your soy sauce is gluten-free or use tamari.

Storage

Store the sweet and sour sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain its smooth texture.