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Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce

Deliciously Easy Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce at Home

Experience the vibrant and tangy flavor of homemade Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce, ready in minutes!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Sauces
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 50

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup Provides sweetness and tang
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar Adds acidity and brightness
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar Sweetens with a hint of molasses flavor
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce Introduces umami flavor
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch Thickens the sauce
  • 2 tablespoons water For the cornstarch slurry

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • small bowl
  • whisk
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Quick and Easy Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce
  1. In a small saucepan, over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of rice vinegar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Whisk the mixture continuously until smooth and starts to bubble gently, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. In a separate small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, stirring until fully dissolved.
  3. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the bubbling saucepan while continuously stirring with a whisk or wooden spoon.
  4. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
  5. Once you achieve the desired thickness, remove the sauce from heat and let it cool for a few minutes in the saucepan.
  6. If you have any leftover sauce, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoonCalories: 50kcalCarbohydrates: 12gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 30mgSugar: 10g

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, and adjust the consistency with water as needed.

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