Name: Sticky Sweet & Sour Sauce — Better Than Takeout!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup canned pineapple juice; 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/3 cup rice vinegar; 3 tablespoons ketchup; 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (GF); 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water; 2-3 drops natural red food coloring

This sweet sour sauce recipe is the ultimate solution for anyone craving authentic Asian flavors at home without the mystery ingredients of store-bought versions. I’ve refined this recipe over many meals, and it consistently delivers a vibrant, perfectly balanced sauce that rivals any takeout. Crafting your own sweet sour sauce allows you to control the sweetness and tang, ensuring it perfectly complements your dishes. It’s an incredibly versatile condiment that can transform simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

⏱ Time: 15 min

👥 Servings: Makes about 1.5 cups (12 servings)

📊 Level: Easy

🥗 7 ingredients

Sticky Sweet & Sour Sauce — Better Than Takeout!

Sweet sour sauce: make this incredible homemade version in minutes. Perfect for chicken, pork, or as a dipping sauce, it’s far superior to store-bought.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Servings: 12

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 95

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 cup canned pineapple juice
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup rice vinegar
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (GF)
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
2-3 drops natural red food coloring

Method

In a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
While the sauce is simmering, prepare the cornstarch slurry by dissolving cornstarch in water.
Gradually stir the cornstarch slurry into the boiling sauce. Continue to simmer for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
If desired, stir in 2-3 drops of natural red food coloring for a vibrant hue. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

– For a thicker sweet sour sauce, you can add an extra half tablespoon of cornstarch to the slurry.
– Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your preference by adding a little more brown sugar or rice vinegar.
– Storage: The sweet sour sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

Pro tips

For a thicker sweet sour sauce, you can add an extra half tablespoon of cornstarch to the slurry.
Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your preference by adding a little more brown sugar or rice vinegar.
Storage: The sweet sour sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

This homemade sweet sour sauce is a game-changer for your home cooking. Try it with your favorite stir-fries or as a delicious dipping sauce. Enjoy the vibrant flavors!