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Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe Easy Homemade Chinese Takeout

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This easy homemade sweet and sour sauce delivers the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, just like your favorite Chinese takeout. Made with pantry staples and ready in under 10 minutes, it’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, or pouring over your favorite dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: 1/4–1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth and lump-free. Set aside.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and salt. Add optional chili flakes, garlic powder, or ginger if desired. Whisk well.
  3. Place saucepan over medium heat and bring mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking occasionally (about 2–3 minutes).
  4. Stir the cornstarch slurry again, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while whisking constantly.
  5. Continue to simmer and whisk for another 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and turns glossy. If too thin, simmer another minute; if too thick, add a splash of pineapple juice or water.
  6. Taste and adjust: add more vinegar for tang, sugar for sweetness, or salt/spice as desired.
  7. Remove from heat and let cool for 2–3 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
  8. If lumps form, whisk vigorously off heat or strain through a fine-mesh sieve. Store leftovers in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week.

Notes

For a spicier sauce, add chili flakes or sriracha. Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free. The sauce thickens as it cools; thin with water or pineapple juice if needed. Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Taste and adjust sugar or vinegar to your preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet and sour sauce, homemade, Chinese takeout, easy, dipping sauce, gluten-free, vegan, pineapple, quick, stir fry, Asian sauce

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/sweet-and-sour-sauce-recipe-easy-homemade-chinese-takeout/