Description
This homemade sweet and sour sauce combines fruity pineapple and orange juices with tangy vinegars and a touch of soy sauce for depth. Sweetened with brown and white sugars and thickened with cornstarch, this vibrant and flavorful sauce is perfect for dipping or drizzling over your favorite dishes. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an easy and delicious addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce 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
- Combine Ingredients: Add all ingredients except the red gel food coloring into a medium saucepan. Whisk thoroughly to ensure the cornstarch dissolves completely without lumps.
- Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat on the stove. Stir or whisk continuously as the mixture heats and begins to gently boil.
- Stir and Thicken: Continue stirring constantly to prevent sticking and to allow the sauce to thicken. Once the sauce reaches desired thickness and coats the back of a spoon, taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess as needed. For enhanced color, add a drop or two of red gel food coloring and mix well.
- Cool the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. This cooling step helps the sauce thicken further and develop its full flavor.
- Serve: Once cooled, use the sweet and sour sauce as a dip, glaze, or accompaniment to your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar amounts to balance the sweetness and tanginess to your taste preference.
- Red gel food coloring is optional, used primarily for a more vibrant red hue.
- Keep stirring constantly during cooking to avoid lumps and ensure even thickening.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- This sauce pairs well with chicken, pork, seafood, or vegetable dishes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Chinese
Keywords: sweet and sour sauce, homemade sauce, pineapple sauce, dipping sauce, Asian sauce, easy sauce recipe
