Description
This easy homemade sweet and sour sauce combines a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, made from simple pantry ingredients like sugar, white vinegar, ketchup, and cornstarch. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a versatile condiment ideal for dipping, glazing, or adding zing to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet and Sour Sauce Ingredients
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- â…“ cup white vinegar
- â…” cup water
- 2 ½ tablespoons ketchup
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Combine Sugar, Vinegar, and Water: In a small saucepan, add the granulated sugar, white vinegar, and â…” cup of water to prepare the sweet and sour base.
- Heat and Dissolve Sugar: Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk constantly until the sugar is completely melted, then add ketchup and whisk until fully combined, forming the flavor foundation of the sauce.
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to create a smooth slurry, which will thicken the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Bring the vinegar mixture in the saucepan to a slow boil. While whisking constantly, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency; you may not need to use all the slurry.
- Final Cook and Serve: Cook the sauce for about 30 seconds after thickening to ensure proper texture, then remove from heat and serve immediately as a dipping sauce or glaze.
Notes
- Whisking constantly prevents lumps and ensures smooth sauce texture.
- Adjust the amount of cornstarch slurry to achieve your preferred thickness.
- Use immediately or store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Great as a dipping sauce for appetizers like egg rolls, chicken nuggets, or as a glaze for stir-fries.
