Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce

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Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce
Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce


 Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce (Better Than Takeout!)

Looking for the perfect sweet and tangy sauce to elevate your meals? This Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce is bursting with flavor and comes together in just minutes using simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re drizzling it over chicken, tossing it with meatballs, or serving it as a dipping sauce, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser.

Say goodbye to store-bought bottles — this easy recipe delivers all the bold flavor of takeout, without the preservatives!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Sour Sauce

  • Ready in under 10 minutes

  • Made with pantry staples

  • Customizable heat and sweetness

  • Versatile for stir-fries, meatballs, chicken, and more

  • Naturally gluten-free with a simple swap

Ingredients

  • ½ cup packed brown sugar

  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)

  • ⅓ cup ketchup

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

  • ¼ cup pineapple juice or water (for mixing cornstarch)

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1 cup diced pineapple

  • ½ cup sliced bell peppers

  • A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

How to Make Sweet and Sour Sauce

  1. Combine the base:
    In a large skillet or saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and garlic.

  2. Heat it up:
    Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.

  3. Thicken the sauce:
    In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and pineapple juice (or water) until smooth. Slowly pour the slurry into the sauce while whisking. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

  4. Customize it:
    Stir in optional pineapple chunks, bell peppers, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a flavor boost.

  5. Serve & enjoy:
    Use immediately, or store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How to Use Sweet and Sour Sauce

  • Toss with meatballs for a party-perfect appetizer

  • Drizzle over baked or fried chicken

  • Stir into veggie stir-fries or rice bowls

  • Use as a dip for egg rolls, wontons, or chicken nuggets

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before using.

Is it freezer-friendly?
You can freeze it, but it’s best made fresh since the texture may change slightly after thawing.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.

Final Thoughts

This easy homemade sweet and sour sauce is a must-have in your recipe collection. It’s quick, customizable, and packed with flavor. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to the bottled version again!

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments how you used it — I’d love to see your creations!


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Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce

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