Description
This homemade Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce is a simple and delicious condiment perfect for dipping, drizzling over stir-fries, or tossing with fried chicken, tofu, or vegetables. Made with rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and garlic, it delivers the classic tangy and sweet flavor of your favorite takeout sauce. Ready in just 10 minutes on the stovetop, this versatile sauce is vegan and gluten-free when using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet and Sour Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar and meld the flavors.
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry that will thicken the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while continuously stirring. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving. Use as a dip, drizzle, or toss with your favorite dishes.
Notes
- This sauce is perfect as a dipping sauce or to drizzle over stir-fries, fried chicken, tofu, or vegetables.
- To keep it gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce variant.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Adjust sweetness or tanginess by modifying the amount of brown sugar or vinegar to your preference.
