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sweet-and-sour-sauce

Sweet and Sour Sauce: A Must-Have for Dipping & Drizzling

This quick and easy homemade sweet and sour sauce is the ultimate multitasker, perfect for dipping, drizzling, marinating, or glazing. With just a few pantry staples and 10 minutes, you’ll have a vibrant, tangy-sweet sauce that’s healthier and more flavorful than store-bought.

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: ~1¼ cups (serves 4–6 depending on use)

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
  • ½ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic (optional)
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic (if using), and water.
  2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
  3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry.
  4. Slowly whisk the slurry into the saucepan and stir until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy (about 2–3 minutes).
  5. Remove from heat, cool slightly, and store or serve.
  • Author: Norah
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Sauce, Condiment, Dip
  • Method: Simmered, Thickened with Slurry
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Chinese-American