This sweet and sour sauce is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment for a variety of dishes. Whether you're drizzling it over stir-fry or using it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, this versatile sauce is sure to elevate your meal.
If you're not familiar with rice vinegar, it's a staple in many Asian cuisines and can be found in the international aisle of most supermarkets. Brown sugar adds a rich sweetness, while ketchup and soy sauce provide depth and umami. The cornstarch slurry is essential for thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency.

Ingredients For Sweet And Sour Sauce Recipe
Rice vinegar: A mild vinegar that adds a tangy flavor to the sauce.
Brown sugar: Provides sweetness and a hint of molasses.
Ketchup: Adds a rich tomato flavor and color.
Soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness to balance the sweetness.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce when mixed with water.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When making this sweet and sour sauce, ensure that you dissolve the cornstarch completely in the water before adding it to the saucepan. This prevents any lumps from forming and ensures a smooth, glossy finish. Additionally, keep stirring constantly while bringing the mixture to a boil to avoid any burning or sticking at the bottom of the pan.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and tanginess, making it a good replacement for rice vinegar.
brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a similar sweetness and can add a slight floral note to the sauce.
ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste mixed with a bit of sugar: Tomato paste gives the necessary tomato flavor, and adding sugar compensates for the sweetness in ketchup.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and has a similar umami flavor.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder acts as a thickening agent just like cornstarch and is a good alternative for those avoiding corn products.
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How To Store / Freeze This Recipe
Allow the sweet and sour sauce to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can dilute the sauce and affect its texture.
Transfer the cooled sauce into an airtight container. Glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers work best to maintain the sauce's flavor and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
Label the container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of its freshness and ensures you use it within a safe timeframe.
Store the sauce in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two weeks, making it a convenient option for quick meals.
For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce. Pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
When ready to use, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid using a microwave to defrost, as it can alter the sauce's consistency.
Once thawed, give the sauce a good stir to reincorporate any separated ingredients. If needed, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
For a quick meal, pair the sweet and sour sauce with grilled chicken, stir-fried vegetables, or even as a dip for spring rolls.
If you notice any off smells, discoloration, or mold, discard the sauce immediately. Always prioritize food safety to ensure a delicious and healthy dining experience.
How To Reheat Leftovers
- For a quick and easy method, pour the sweet and sour sauce into a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. This method helps maintain the sauce's consistency and flavor.
- If you prefer using a microwave, transfer the sauce to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the sauce is heated through.
- For a more gentle reheating, use a double boiler. Place the sauce in the top part of the double boiler and heat over simmering water, stirring occasionally. This method prevents the sauce from scorching and keeps it smooth.
- If you have a slow cooker, you can reheat the sweet and sour sauce on the low setting. Pour the sauce into the slow cooker, cover, and heat for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is great if you need to keep the sauce warm for a longer period.
- For a more unconventional method, you can use a steam basket. Place the sauce in a heatproof bowl and set it in the steam basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This method gently heats the sauce without direct contact with the heat source.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Saucepan: Use this to combine and heat the ingredients, ensuring even cooking and proper mixing.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the rice vinegar, brown sugar, and ketchup.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the soy sauce and cornstarch.
Whisk: Ideal for stirring the ingredients together and ensuring the cornstarch slurry is well incorporated.
Small bowl: Use this to mix the cornstarch with water to create the slurry.
Stirring spoon: Handy for stirring the sauce as it cooks and thickens.
Heat-resistant spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the saucepan to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
Ladle: Perfect for serving the sauce once it has cooled slightly.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Measure ingredients ahead: Pre-measure rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce to streamline the cooking process.
Use a whisk: A whisk helps blend the ingredients more quickly and evenly, reducing the time spent stirring.
Pre-make the slurry: Mix cornstarch and water beforehand so it's ready to add when needed.
Simmer on low heat: Start on low heat to prevent the sauce from boiling over, allowing you to multitask without constant supervision.
Cool quickly: Pour the sauce into a shallow dish to cool it faster before serving.

Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup Rice vinegar
- ½ cup Brown sugar
- ¼ cup Ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoon water
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add to the saucepan and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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