Skip the store-bought bottles and make your own homemade sweet and sour sauce in just 10 minutes!
This easy recipe uses simple pantry staples like vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce to create a perfectly balanced sauce that’s tangy, sweet, and versatile.
Whether you’re tossing it with crispy tofu, glazing vegan meatballs, or using it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, this recipe delivers that classic takeout-style flavor but with fresher ingredients — and it’s completely vegan and gluten-free.
My Opinion
I’ve made this sweet and sour sauce several times now, and I can honestly say it’s one of my favorite “back-pocket” recipes. What I love most is how quick it comes together — from start to finish, I had a glossy, perfectly balanced sauce in under 10 minutes.
It’s the kind of recipe that makes me feel like I don’t need to rely on takeout anymore.
The first time I made it, I used pineapple juice instead of water, and wow — the fruity undertone really made the sauce shine. It paired beautifully with tofu and stir-fried veggies, and my family kept asking for more. I also tried it once with just water, and it was still just as delicious.
To me, this sauce is the definition of a simple homemade staple that tastes better than anything you can buy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Ready in just 10 minutes
- ✅ Vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free
- ✅ Perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors
- ✅ Uses pantry staples you already have
- ✅ Customizable with pineapple juice, ginger, or chili flakes
- ✅ Works as a dip, glaze, or stir-fry sauce
Tools You’ll Need
- Small to medium saucepan
- Whisk (for dissolving cornstarch and stirring)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board (if using fresh garlic or ginger)
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar/white vinegar)
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free)
- ¼ cup water or pineapple juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (adjust for thickness – see notes)
- ½ teaspoon fresh minced ginger (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan
In a small saucepan, add the vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, water (or pineapple juice), minced garlic, and cornstarch. If using ginger, add it at this stage as well. - Dissolve the Cornstarch
Use a whisk to stir everything together until the cornstarch has completely dissolved. This step ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce without needing a separate slurry. - Heat the Sauce
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir frequently. As the mixture heats up, the sugar will dissolve and the sauce will begin to thicken. - Bring to a Boil
Once the sauce reaches a gentle boil, continue cooking for about 30 seconds while stirring constantly. The sauce will turn glossy and reach its final thickness. - Adjust and Serve
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — add a splash more vinegar for tang, or a little more sugar for sweetness. Use immediately as a dipping sauce, glaze, or stir-fry base.
Variations / Adjustments
- Thicker Sauce: Use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch for a stickier, clingy texture.
- Thinner Sauce: Use just ½ tablespoon cornstarch for a lighter coating.
- Fruitier Version: Swap the water for pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add red chili flakes or a dash of sriracha.
- Extra Flavor: Finish with chopped green onions for a fresh bite.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and whisk before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn’t my sweet and sour sauce bright red?
Most restaurant versions use red food coloring. This homemade version gets its color naturally from ketchup. If you want a deeper red, you can add a drop or two of vegan food dye — but it’s optional.
Can I make it refined sugar-free?
Yes! Swap brown sugar with coconut sugar, agave nectar, or maple syrup.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
Potato starch or arrowroot powder works just as well as thickeners.
Serving Suggestions
This sauce is incredibly versatile! Try it with:
- Sweet and sour tofu or vegan meatballs
- As a dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, or nuggets
- Drizzled over stir-fried veggies
- As a glaze for roasted cauliflower or vegan shrimp
- Tossed with rice or noodles for a quick meal
Conclusion
Making homemade sweet and sour sauce is as simple as whisk, simmer, and serve. With its quick prep time, fresh ingredients, and endless versatility, this sauce deserves a permanent spot in your weekly cooking routine.
Once you try it, you’ll never go back to bottled versions again.
Category: Sauce, Condiment, Asian-Inspired, Vegan
Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan
- In a small saucepan, add the vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, water (or pineapple juice), minced garlic, and cornstarch. If using ginger, add it at this stage as well.
- Dissolve the Cornstarch
- Use a whisk to stir everything together until the cornstarch has completely dissolved. This step ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce without needing a separate slurry.
- Heat the Sauce
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir frequently. As the mixture heats up, the sugar will dissolve and the sauce will begin to thicken.
- Bring to a Boil
- Once the sauce reaches a gentle boil, continue cooking for about 30 seconds while stirring constantly. The sauce will turn glossy and reach its final thickness.
- Adjust and Serve
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — add a splash more vinegar for tang, or a little more sugar for sweetness. Use immediately as a dipping sauce, glaze, or stir-fry base.
Notes
Hey there! I’m Steffan, the food lover and creator behind Biteblis.com. Thank you for stopping by! I hope you’ll explore, get inspired, and find something delicious to cook up at home. My mission is simple: to spread joy through food, one tasty bite at a time. For more info, visit About Us.