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Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

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.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Condiment, Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 43
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

Equipment

  • Small to medium saucepan
  • Whisk (for dissolving cornstarch and stirring)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board (if using fresh garlic or ginger)

Method
 

  1. Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan
  2. 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.
  3. Dissolve the Cornstarch
  4. 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.
  5. Heat the Sauce
  6. 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.
  7. Bring to a Boil
  8. 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.
  9. Adjust and Serve
  10. 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

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.