Description
This Homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken Sauce is a flavorful, tangy, and slightly sweet condiment perfect for drizzling over fried or baked chicken, using as a dipping sauce, or adding to stir-fries. Made from a blend of ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and soy sauce, it offers a delicious balance of sweet and tart with an optional garlic boost. The sauce thickens to a glossy finish, making it versatile and easy to prepare on the stovetop in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet and Sour Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or minced garlic
Instructions
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small saucepan, add ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and soy sauce. Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients evenly before heating.
- Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until fully dissolved to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce evenly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool slightly. Serve warm over fried or baked chicken, or use it as a dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more brown sugar or rice vinegar to suit your taste preferences.
- For a smoother, pulp-free sauce, strain out any pineapple solids before cooking.
- This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Optional garlic powder or minced garlic adds an extra layer of flavor but can be omitted for a milder taste.
