Description
This homemade Chinese sweet and sour sauce is tangy, glossy, and perfectly balanced with vinegar, ketchup, and brown sugar—ideal for dipping, glazing, or stir-fry recipes.
Ingredients
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
Instructions
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Whisk until smooth and heated through.
In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to form a slurry.
Slowly pour the slurry into the saucepan while stirring continuously.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened and glossy.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving. Use as a dip, glaze, or stir-fry sauce.
Notes
Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicier version.
Swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
For a tropical flavor, mix in 1–2 tablespoons of pineapple juice.
Sauce thickens as it cools—reheat with a splash of water to loosen.
Great for egg rolls, chicken, tofu, or veggie stir-fries.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce, Condiment
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Chinese
