Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sauce comes together in just minutes using simple pantry staples. It delivers the perfect harmony of sweetness and tanginess, with a smooth, slightly thick consistency that clings beautifully to food.
It’s incredibly versatile—use it as a dip for spring rolls, chicken tenders, or fries, or as a glaze for stir-fries and grilled meats. You can also easily adjust the sweetness or tanginess to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
granulated sugar
rice vinegar
ketchup
soy sauce
cornstarch
water
garlic powder
pinch of salt
Directions
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
- Slowly pour the slurry into the saucepan while stirring continuously.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before serving. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
Servings and timing
Makes approximately 1 cup of sauce (about 6–8 servings as a dip).
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Variations
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Stir in a small amount of pineapple juice for extra sweetness and fruitiness.
Use apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar for a slightly different tang.
Add freshly minced garlic for a stronger, more aromatic flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
If the sauce thickens too much after chilling, gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring well. Add a small splash of water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change once thawed.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce without cornstarch?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can simmer it longer to reduce and thicken naturally.
How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce the sugar slightly or increase the vinegar for more tang.
Can I use this as a stir-fry sauce?
Yes, it works well as a glaze or finishing sauce for stir-fried dishes.
Is this sauce very sour?
It has a balanced sweet-and-tangy flavor, but you can adjust the vinegar to taste.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator for several days.
What foods pair well with sweet and sour sauce?
It pairs well with spring rolls, chicken nuggets, fried shrimp, fries, and grilled meats.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce.
Why did my sauce turn out too thick?
Too much cornstarch or overcooking can thicken it too much. Add a little water to thin it out.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just double all ingredients while keeping the same method.
Does the sauce thicken as it cools?
Yes, it thickens slightly as it cools, so avoid over-thickening during cooking.
Conclusion
Sweet and Sour Dipping Sauce is a quick, flavorful addition to countless dishes. With its perfect balance of sweetness and tang, this easy homemade sauce will elevate everything from appetizers to main courses. Keep a batch on hand to add bold flavor whenever you need it.
PrintSweet and Sour Dipping Sauce
Sweet and Sour Dipping Sauce is a glossy, tangy-sweet condiment made with simple pantry ingredients. It delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, making it ideal for dipping, drizzling, or glazing your favorite dishes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup (6 to 8 servings)
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry.
- Slowly pour the slurry into the saucepan while stirring continuously.
- Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before serving. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
Notes
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce if needed.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- If the sauce becomes too thick after chilling, gently reheat and add a small splash of water to adjust consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
