Create a classic Chinese takeout favorite at home with this simple Sweet and Sour Sauce recipe! Sweet, tangy, and perfect for dipping or pouring.
Sweet and Sour Sauce
Sweet and sour sauce is a popular sauce that is often used in Chinese and other Asian cuisines, and is commonly served with dishes such as sweet and sour chicken, pork, or shrimp. The sauce has a tangy and sweet flavor, and is typically made with a combination of vinegar, sugar, and various fruits or vegetables.
The key ingredients in sweet and sour sauce are typically vinegar and sugar, which create a balance of tangy and sweet flavors. Other ingredients may include ketchup, soy sauce, pineapple juice, or tomato paste, which add depth and complexity to the sauce. Vegetables such as onions, peppers, and carrots are also commonly added to the sauce, which give it a chunky texture and add flavor and color.
To make sweet and sour sauce, the ingredients are typically cooked together in a saucepan until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together. The sauce is then used as a dipping sauce or a glaze for meats, vegetables, or fried foods.
Sweet and sour sauce can be easily customized to suit personal taste preferences. For example, a spicier version of the sauce may include chili peppers or hot sauce, while a fruitier version may include pineapple or apricot. Some recipes also call for adding cornstarch to the sauce, which helps to thicken it and give it a more velvety texture.
The sweet and sour sauce is a tasty and versatile sauce that can be used to add flavor and excitement to a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re enjoying it as a dipping sauce for your favorite Chinese dish or using it as a glaze for your favorite meat or vegetable, the sweet and sour sauce is sure to add a burst of tangy and sweet flavor to any meal.
What’s the closest thing to sweet and sour sauce?
The closest thing to sweet and sour sauce is a combination of sweet and tangy flavors. Some possible alternatives include:
- Pineapple Sauce: This sauce is made with crushed pineapple, sugar, and vinegar, and can be thickened with cornstarch. It has a sweet and tangy flavor that is similar to sweet and sour sauce.
- Hoisin Sauce: This Chinese sauce is made with soybean paste, garlic, vinegar, and spices. It has a sweet and savory flavor that can be a good alternative to sweet and sour sauce.
- Tamarind Sauce: Tamarind is a tropical fruit that has a sour and slightly sweet flavor. Tamarind sauce is made with tamarind pulp, sugar, and spices, and can be a good substitute for sweet and sour sauce.
- Plum Sauce: Plum sauce is a Chinese condiment made with plums, sugar, vinegar, and spices. It has a sweet and tangy flavor that is similar to sweet and sour sauce.
- Barbecue Sauce: Some types of barbecue sauce have a sweet and tangy flavor that can be a good substitute for sweet and sour sauce. Look for varieties that are not too smoky or spicy.
Why is Chinese sweet and sour sauce red?
The red color in Chinese sweet and sour sauce comes from a combination of ingredients, mainly red food coloring and ketchup or tomato paste. The use of red food coloring is a common practice in many Chinese restaurants to enhance the appearance of the dish and make it more visually appealing. The red color is often associated with good fortune and happiness in Chinese culture, which is why it is frequently used in celebratory dishes.
Ketchup or tomato paste is another ingredient commonly used in sweet and sour sauce that contributes to its red color. Ketchup contains tomato paste, vinegar, and sugar, which are key ingredients in sweet and sour sauce. The addition of ketchup or tomato paste can give the sauce a deeper, richer flavor and a brighter color.
Best Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
Servings: 12 Preparation: 10 minutes Calories: 45 Fat: 0g Saturated fat: 0 g
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce over medium heat.
- In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch is dissolved.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and stir to combine.
- Simmer the sweet and sour sauce for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Use the sweet and sour sauce immediately or let it cool and store it in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Sweet and sour sauce is a classic dipping sauce for chicken, pork, or shrimp. It’s also great as a glaze for meatballs or as a sauce for stir fry. Enjoy your delicious and easy sweet and sour sauce!
Nutrition:
2 tablespoon (30 ml) serving:
Calories: 45
Total fat: 0 g
Saturated fat: 0 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 400 mg
Total carbohydrates: 11 g
Dietary fiber: 0 g
Total sugars: 9 g
Protein: 0 g
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce over medium heat.
- In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch is dissolved.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and stir to combine.
- Simmer the sweet and sour sauce for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Use the sweet and sour sauce immediately or let it cool and store it in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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