This iconic whiskey is a "Jack of all trades" when it comes to cooking. Toss it in some pasta, as a savory dipping sauce, and even bake it into something sweet.
Simple Sweet And Sour Sauce
- add review
- #57621
Better than the take-out packets of sweet and sour that you get from a Chinese restaurant. You can whip up your own batch right at home. The sweet comes from a bit of sugar and the sour comes from cider vinegar
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
3 reviews
ingredients
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup water
directions
Whisk together all the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves.
Let the sweet and sour sauce cool then use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or up to a week.
recipe tips
Use a whisk to combine the ingredients smoothly.
Cook the sauce over medium heat to prevent it from burning.
Stir the sauce continuously while cooking to make sure you have even heat distribution.
Taste the sauce as you cook and adjust the seasoning as needed.
For a smoother sauce, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve.
Let the sauce cool to room temperature before storing it.
Label the container with the date when storing in the refrigerator or freezer.
Use high-quality ketchup for the best flavor.
This sauce can be used as a dip, glaze, or stir-fry sauce.
Experiment with adding pineapple juice or orange juice for a fruity twist.
common recipe questions
Can I use a different type of vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?
Yes, white vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as substitutes, but they will slightly alter the flavor of the sauce.
Is it possible to make this sauce with less sugar?
You can reduce the sugar, but it will affect the balance of sweet and sour. Alternatively, try a sugar substitute that can withstand heat.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
To thicken the sauce, you can dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in a little water and whisk it into the sauce, cooking until it reaches the desired consistency.
Can I add other flavors to this sauce?
Yes, you can add flavors like garlic powder, ginger, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
How long can I store this sauce in the refrigerator?
The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can this sauce be frozen for later use?
Yes, the sauce can be frozen. Pour it into an airtight container, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Is it necessary to let the sauce cool before using it?
Allowing the sauce to cool will thicken it slightly and meld the flavors together, but it can be used warm if needed.
Can I use this sauce as a marinade?
Yes, this sweet and sour sauce can be used as a marinade for meats or tofu.
What can I do if the sauce is too sweet or too sour?
Adjust the balance by adding a little more vinegar if it's too sweet, or a bit more sugar if it's too sour.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, the recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger quantities.
nutrition data
17 calories, 0 grams fat, 4 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams protein per tablespoon. This recipe is low in sodium. This recipe is low in fat.
In a cooking rut? Try one of these taste-tested, family-approved recipes using ground beef.
Pizza night is always a favorite, especially when you have great tasting pizza from some of the most popular restaurants.
reviews & comments
May 2, 2022
this worked in a pinch!
November 16, 2016
recipe had way too much apple cider vinegar and was not thick at all
June 25, 2013
I needed to make some sweetnsour sauce but most recipes call for distilled vinegar and I didn't have any. This worked well. The ratios are pretty good and you can tweak it if needed. Next time to make it sweeter without just adding more sugar I might use pineapple juice instead of the water.