Are you tired of bland, boring sauces that do nothing to elevate your dishes? Get ready to discover the ultimate Spicy Sweet n Sour Sauce that will make your taste buds dance with excitement! This Chinese-inspired condiment is not just a sauce – it's a flavor explosion that can turn any ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience. With just a few simple ingredients and 15 minutes of your time, you'll create a versatile sauce that's guaranteed to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients and measuring tools before starting the cooking process.
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and chili sauce. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well incorporated.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sugar from burning.
- In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry, ensuring no lumps are present.
- Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce, continuously whisking to prevent clumping.
- Continue cooking and stirring for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, with a smooth consistent texture.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool for 2-3 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more chili sauce for heat or sugar for sweetness.
- Transfer to a clean jar or container and let cool completely before storing or serving.
Tips
- Use a whisk to ensure smooth ingredient incorporation and prevent lumps.
- Watch the heat carefully when simmering to avoid burning the sugar.
- The cornstarch slurry is crucial for achieving the perfect sauce consistency – mix it thoroughly before adding.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings to suit your personal preference.
- For extra heat, add more chili sauce; for more sweetness, increase the sugar slightly.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Let the sauce cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.
- This sauce pairs perfectly with stir-fries, dumplings, spring rolls, and grilled meats.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
