Name: Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1/2 cup rice vinegar; 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed; 3 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons cold water

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If you’re craving that irresistible balance of tangy, sweet, and savory that instantly brightens up any meal, look no further than Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce. This classic, bold-flavored condiment is a staple at my dinner table and for good reason—it’s quick to whip up, uses pantry staples, and opens up a world of dipping, glazing, and stir-frying possibilities. Whether you’re drizzling it over crispy tofu, spooning it onto grilled chicken, or swirling it into a veggie stir-fry, this sauce brings out the best in every bite. Don’t be surprised if you start reaching for it every chance you get!

Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of homemade Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays an essential role in building that signature flavor, inviting color, and glossy finish. Gather everything beforehand for a smooth, stress-free cooking experience.

Rice Vinegar: This is the backbone of the sauce, providing the bright tanginess that wakes up your tastebuds.
Brown Sugar (packed): Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness and beautiful color—packed is key for measuring the right amount.
Ketchup: Offers both a pop of color and a sweet-tangy complexity that ties everything together.
Soy Sauce: Just a splash lends the right savory, umami undertone—choose gluten-free if needed.
Garlic Powder: Infuses the sauce with a subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Ground Ginger: Adds a gentle zing that’s both warming and fresh—just a pinch transforms the sauce!
Cornstarch: This is your secret to a thick, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to anything it touches.
Cold Water: Essential for dissolving the cornstarch smoothly, ensuring the sauce stays lump-free.

How to Make Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce

Step 1: Combine Main Ingredients

In a small saucepan set over medium heat, add the rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Give everything a good stir; this is where the magic starts, as the ingredients begin mingling and your kitchen fills with the scent of that familiar takeout favorite.

Step 2: Simmer and Stir

Allow the mixture to warm up, and keep stirring until the sugar dissolves and the sauce just begins to bubble gently. This simmering step coaxes out the sweetness of the sugar and softens the bite of the vinegar, making the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Add the Cornstarch Slurry

Meanwhile, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until totally smooth. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering saucepan, whisking steadily—this is where the Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce suddenly thickens and transforms into that classic, clingy glaze.

Step 4: Finish and Cool

Keep stirring over medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until your sauce joins the perfect, slightly syrupy consistency. Take the pan off the heat and let the sauce cool for a few minutes before serving; the cooling intensifies both the aroma and the shine, making it even more tempting.

How to Serve Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a little flourish! A sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped fresh scallions, or even diced red chili can jazz up your dishes and bring a touch of restaurant-style flair to your trusty Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce.

Side Dishes

This sauce loves company—try pairing it with crispy spring rolls, dim sum, classic fried rice, or simple steamed veggies. It’s practically made for dunking chicken nuggets or drizzling over sautéed shrimp, too!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the sauce in small dipping bowls alongside a platter of fresh-cut veggies, tempura, or grilled skewers. If you want to get adventurous, brush Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce over baked tofu or roasted cauliflower for a flavor-packed glaze that wows at the dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply transfer any leftover Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce into a clean, airtight jar and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to a week, making it easy to add instant flavor to another meal (or snack attack) whenever the mood strikes.

Freezing

If you’ve made a double batch or just want to plan ahead, you can freeze this sauce! Pour completely cooled sauce into a freezer-safe container, leave a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and enjoying all over again.

Reheating

To warm up your Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce, simply pour it into a small saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water and stir until smooth and glossy.

FAQs

Can I make Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just be sure to reach for a gluten-free soy sauce (tamari works well), and you’ll have a completely gluten-free version that’s just as tasty.

What proteins or veggies pair best with this sauce?

Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce is incredibly versatile—think crispy fried chicken, tofu cubes, shrimp, or a medley of stir-fried veggies like bell peppers and pineapple. It flatters just about any mild-flavored ingredient, letting its signature tang truly shine.

Can I make the sauce less sweet or more tangy?

Of course! Simply adjust the amount of brown sugar or rice vinegar to your taste preferences—a little experimenting lets you unlock your personal perfect balance.

How do I avoid lumps in my sauce?

The secret is whisking your cornstarch and water together until completely smooth before adding it to the saucepan. Pour the slurry in slowly, whisking constantly, and you’ll end up with a silky, lump-free sauce every time.

Is this Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce suitable for vegans?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan, using only plant-based pantry staples—no animal products needed! Just double-check your ketchup and soy sauce to make sure they’re vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

Once you see how simple and rewarding it is to make your own Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce, you’ll never look at store-bought bottles the same way! I hope you give this recipe a try and discover just how easy it is to add a punch of zesty, sweet-savory delight to all your favorite dishes.

Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 cup 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free (using gluten-free soy sauce)

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Description

Learn how to make a delicious Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce at home with this easy recipe. This versatile sauce is perfect for dipping, stir-fries, or as a glaze for your favorite dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Sauce Ingredients:

1/2 cup rice vinegar
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
3 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Cornstarch Slurry:

1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, mix rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Simmer.
Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: In a bowl, combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
Thicken Sauce: Slowly whisk cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Cool and Serve: Remove from heat, cool slightly, and use as desired.