Are you tired of bland store-bought sauces that never quite hit the mark? Get ready to transform your home cooking with this incredibly simple yet mind-blowingly delicious Sweet and Sour Sauce that will make your taste buds dance! In just a few minutes, you'll create a versatile condiment that can elevate everything from stir-fries to grilled meats, bringing the authentic flavors of Asian cuisine right to your kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of vinegar, 1/4 cup of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons of water. Ensure you have measuring cups and spoons ready for accurate measurements.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar and vinegar. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture gently until the sugar dissolves completely. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, add the ketchup and soy sauce to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Continue to heat the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the 2 tablespoons of water. Stir until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and there are no lumps. This will create a slurry that will help thicken the sauce.
- Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan while continuously stirring. This will help prevent lumps from forming. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. The sweet and sour sauce can be used immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Serve the sweet and sour sauce over your favorite dishes, such as stir-fried vegetables, grilled chicken, or tofu. Enjoy your delicious homemade sweet and sour sauce!
Tips
- Precision is Key: Use measuring tools to ensure the exact proportions of ingredients. Even a slight variation can change the sauce's balance.
- Stir Constantly: When adding the cornstarch slurry, keep stirring to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy texture.
- Temperature Control: Use medium heat to dissolve sugar and blend flavors without burning the sauce.
- Customization Options: Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by slightly increasing sugar or vinegar to suit your taste preferences.
- Storage Hack: This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it perfect for meal prep and quick dinner solutions.
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond traditional uses, try this sauce as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, a glaze for grilled proteins, or a quick stir-fry enhancer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 200kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
