Name: Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1/2 cup rice vinegar; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Ready to recreate that classic tangy, glossy glaze for your favorite takeout dishes right in your own kitchen? Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce is the secret weapon that instantly transforms any meal into a crave-worthy treat. With its bold color, tongue-tingling balance of flavors, and an irresistibly silky finish, this homemade version will make you wonder why you ever bought the bottled kind. Whether you’re tossing it with crispy veggies, dunking spring rolls, or drizzling over golden fried chicken, this sauce is pure magic in minutes.

Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water

How to Make Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce

Step 1: Combine the Core Ingredients

Start by whisking together the rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce in a small saucepan. Don’t rush this step – blending these flavors thoroughly ensures every bite is perfectly balanced between sweet, sour, and savory.

Step 2: Prepare the Slurry

In a separate little bowl, mix your cornstarch and water until you have a smooth, milky liquid. This “slurry” is what gives Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce its signature sheen and that gorgeous saucy cling. If you’re feeling fruity, use pineapple juice here instead of water for a bright surprise.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

Set the saucepan over medium heat and warm until the mixture just starts to simmer, keeping a watchful eye. Whisk the cornstarch slurry in slowly, stirring all the while. You’ll see the sauce start to transform almost immediately, thickening up and turning attractively glossy in just a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Finish and Cool

Once the sauce reaches your desired thickness (typically after 2-3 minutes of gentle bubbling), remove it from the heat. Let it cool for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken a bit more as it cools, so don’t overdo the stovetop time. Now it’s ready to use, dip, or drizzle!

How to Serve Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced scallions, or a scatter of finely chopped cilantro brings both color and freshness to anything paired with this sauce. These little touches make Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce especially inviting, whether you’re dipping or pouring.

Side Dishes

This sauce is a must-have next to crispy spring rolls, golden battered chicken, or juicy chunks of stir-fried pork. It’s perfect with tempura cauliflower, egg rolls, and fried wontons, and can even lend a zesty note to grilled veggies or tofu.

Creative Ways to Present

Pour Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce into a fun mini pitcher for drizzling at the table, or serve in individual ramekins for dipping. For a playful party twist, try using it as a vibrant glaze for skewers or as a bold base for a fresh pineapple bowl filled with fried rice!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce left over, just pour it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to a week, staying glossy and bright without separating.

Freezing

Believe it or not, this sauce holds up quite well in the freezer. Let it cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe jar or bag, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To bring back that silky texture, gently reheat your Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. If it seems too thick, add a splash of water (or more pineapple juice!) until it’s perfect.

FAQs

Can I replace rice vinegar with another type?

Rice vinegar is ideal for authentic flavor, but in a pinch, you can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. Just start with a little less and adjust to taste to avoid overpowering the sauce.

Is Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce gluten-free?

The ingredients themselves are generally gluten-free, but double-check your soy sauce. If you need to avoid gluten, use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Can I make it without ketchup?

Ketchup lends unique color and sweetness, but you can substitute with tomato paste mixed with a bit of extra sugar, or try sweet chili sauce for a slightly different zing.

How can I make the sauce spicier?

If you want a kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a squeeze of sriracha when simmering the sauce. This adds heat without overpowering that classic sweet and tart profile.

What can I use Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce for besides dipping?

It’s incredibly versatile! Use it as a stir-fry sauce, a glaze for grilled meats or tofu, toss with roasted veggies, or even as an unexpected topping for grain bowls and wraps.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about homemade Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce – vibrant, glossy, and packed with flavor – that makes any dish feel like a celebration. Go ahead and give this easy recipe a try; once you taste it, you’ll want to drizzle it over everything!

Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: About 3/4 cup 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

This easy recipe for Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce yields a flavorful and versatile condiment that can elevate any dish. With a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this homemade sauce is a great alternative to store-bought versions.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1/2 cup rice vinegar
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce until combined.
In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
Once the sauce mixture begins to simmer, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while whisking continuously.
Continue to cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.