Go Back
+ servings
sweet and sour sauce recipe best homemade

BEST Sweet and Sour Sauce

Kimberly Killebrew
Making your own sweet and sour sauce couldn't be any easier!  Plus it's free of junk ingredients and tastes MUCH better than store-bought!
Print Recipe
4.75 from 652 votes
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course condiment
Cuisine American, Asian, Chinese
Servings 16 servings
Calories 52 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 cup canned pineapple juice , see note
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • OR brown sugar alternative (for low sugar option)
  • 1/3 cup rice vinegar , found in the Asian or general vinegar section of any grocery store, or you can substitute apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (GF)
  • For the Cornstarch Slurry: 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
  • Optional: 2-3 drops all-natural red food coloring (the one I've linked to is natural, colored with beets. It's in powdered form, simply stir some in to a couple of teaspoons of water and add it to the sauce)

Instructions
 

  • Place all of the ingredients, except for the cornstarch slurry, in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for another minute until thickened, stirring constantly. If using red food coloring, stir it in.
  • Let the sauce cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will keep for 2-3 weeks.

Notes

* Freshly squeezed pineapple juice contains enzymes that will break down the cornstarch and prevent the sauce from remaining thick, so either use canned or bottled

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 52kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Sodium: 154mg | Potassium: 47mg | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 1.7mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.2mg
Keyword Sweet and Sour Sauce
Tried this recipe? Mention @daringgourmet or hashtag #daringgourmet