Master the Art of Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce




Preparation Time

  • Preparation Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/3 cup white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
  • Optional: Pineapple juice, minced ginger, or minced garlic for added zest

Directions

  1. Blend Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine water, white vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce. For additional flavor, consider adding pineapple juice, minced ginger, or minced garlic.
  2. Simmer Gracefully: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture begins to simmer.
  3. Thicken with Elegance: Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce, stirring continuously. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
  4. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a bit of water or pineapple juice. If too thin, prepare a little more cornstarch slurry and add it to the sauce, allowing it to simmer for another minute.
  5. Cool and Serve: Let the sauce cool slightly before using it with your favorite dishes. It can be served warm or at room temperature.

Cook Notes

  • The consistency of the sauce should be similar to a pourable glaze. Adjust the thickness by varying the amount of slurry or liquid.

Variations

  • Keto Version: Substitute sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener and use a reduced-sugar ketchup.
  • Low-Carb Version: Use a sugar substitute and low-carb ketchup to reduce the carbohydrate content.

Nutrition Facts (estimated per serving, based on original recipe)

  • Calories: 100
  • Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Protein: 0g

Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce is a quick and easy way to add a burst of flavor to any meal. Whether you’re dipping, glazing, or drizzling, this sauce is sure to impress with its perfect balance of sweet and sour.

Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Crunchy Cucumber & Apple Salad: A Refreshing Blend of Flavors