This Sweet and Sour Sauce recipe is a game-changer! It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful sauce that’s made without pineapple, making it perfect for those who prefer a less fruity version. I love how this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients to create a sauce that’s perfectly balanced between sweet, sour, and savory. It’s incredibly versatile – use it as a dipping sauce, a stir-fry sauce, or a glaze for your favorite meats and vegetables. Get ready to ditch the store-bought stuff and make your own delicious sweet and sour sauce at home!
Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Sour Sauce
- No Pineapple: This recipe is made without pineapple, for those who prefer a less fruity flavor.
- Perfectly Balanced: The combination of rice vinegar (or cider vinegar), brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce creates a delicious balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.
- Easy to Make: This sauce comes together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
- Versatile: Use it as a dipping sauce, stir-fry sauce, glaze, or marinade.
- Homemade Goodness: Making your own sweet and sour sauce allows you to control the ingredients and avoid preservatives.
Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Sauce (No Pineapple)
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious sauce. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Main Ingredients
- Cornstarch (or another starch) (Thickener)
- Water (Liquid)
- Rice vinegar (or cider vinegar) (Acid)
- Brown sugar (Sweetener)
- Ketchup (Condiment)
- Soy sauce (or coconut aminos) (Condiment)
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
I love this Sweet and Sour Sauce as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Sauté some minced garlic and grated ginger in a little oil before adding the other ingredients.
- Use Different Vinegar: Try using white vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar.
- Add Pineapple Juice: If you are looking to add a bit of fruity notes.
- Add Sesame Oil: Add a teaspoon of sesame oil for a nutty flavor.
How to Make Sweet and Sour Sauce (No Pineapple)
Let me show you how easy it is to make this Sweet and Sour Sauce Without Pineapple:
Mix Cornstarch and Water
- I mix together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, and set it aside.
Combine Ingredients and Boil
- I add the remaining ingredients (rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce) to a small saucepan.
- I bring mixture to a boil.
Thicken the Sauce
- I add in the cornstarch mixture (as a thickening agent) and mix thoroughly.
- I continue cooking for an extra minute or two, until the sauce is thick.
Remove from Heat
- remove from heat
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Sweet and Sour Sauce
Here are my secrets for making this sauce truly exceptional:
- Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce allows you to control the saltiness of the sauce.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce and adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking.
- Don’t Overcook: Cook the sauce just until it thickens. Overcooking can make it too thick or sticky.
- Whisk Well: Whisk the cornstarch and water mixture thoroughly before adding it to the sauce to prevent lumps.
How to Use
This Sweet and Sour Sauce (No Pineapple) is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas:
- Dipping Sauce: Serve it as a dipping sauce for egg rolls, spring rolls, wontons, chicken nuggets, or vegetables.
- Stir-Fry Sauce: Use it as a sauce for stir-fries with chicken, pork, shrimp, tofu, or vegetables.
- Glaze: Brush it over grilled or baked chicken, pork, or salmon during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Marinade: Use it as a marinade for chicken, pork, or tofu.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
FAQs about Sweet and Sour Sauce (No Pineapple)
- Can I use a different type of vinegar?
- Yes, you can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar.
- Can I make this without the cornstarch?
- The cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce, but you can omit it if you prefer a thinner sauce. You may need to simmer it for a longer time to reduce and thicken it naturally.
- Can I make this gluten-free?
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your other ingredients are gluten-free.
Enjoy this easy, flavorful, and versatile Sweet and Sour Sauce (No Pineapple)! It’s a perfect way to add a delicious Asian-inspired touch to your meals.
Print
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup of sauce 1x
- Category: Sauce, Condiment
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This easy Sweet and Sour Sauce recipe delivers the classic tangy and sweet flavors you love, without using pineapple juice. It’s perfect for dipping, stir-fries, or as a glaze for your favorite proteins.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder, tapioca starch)
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 2/3 cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a soy-free option)
Instructions
- Make Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch (or other starch) and cold water until smooth and no lumps remain. Set aside.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce (or coconut aminos).
- Bring to Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Add Slurry and Thicken: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Give the cornstarch slurry a quick whisk (as the cornstarch may have settled), then add it to the simmering sauce. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from Heat: Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Serve
Notes
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch is the most common thickener for sweet and sour sauce, but you can substitute arrowroot powder or tapioca starch.
- Vinegar: Rice vinegar is traditional, but apple cider vinegar is a good substitute.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar is recommended, but you can use dark brown sugar for a richer molasses flavor.
- Ketchup: Adds color and a touch of sweetness and tanginess.
- Soy Sauce/Coconut Aminos: Use soy sauce for a classic flavor, or coconut aminos for a soy-free and slightly sweeter option.
- Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, continue to simmer for a few more minutes to reduce it further.
- Serving Suggestions: This sweet and sour sauce is delicious as a dipping sauce for egg rolls, spring rolls, wontons, or chicken nuggets. It’s also great as a stir-fry sauce or as a glaze for chicken, pork, or shrimp.
- Make-Ahead: This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before serving.
- Storage: store in the fridge.