Name: Homemade Sweet & Sour Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 6 ounces pineapple juice; ½ cup ketchup; ¼ cup apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water; 1 to 2 drops red food coloring (optional)

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This quick and easy homemade sweet and sour sauce strikes the perfect balance between tangy vinegar, sweet brown sugar, and fruity pineapple. Made in just 10 minutes, it’s a vibrant, glossy condiment ideal for dipping, drizzling, or tossing into your favorite Asian-inspired dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade sweet and sour sauce is far superior to store-bought versions—fresher, more flavorful, and customizable to your taste. It requires minimal ingredients, takes only a few minutes to prepare, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor with ease. Whether you’re making crispy chicken, stir-fry, or want a zesty dip for egg rolls and wontons, this sauce elevates any meal with its signature sweet-and-tangy profile.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

6 ounces pineapple juice
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
1 to 2 drops red food coloring (optional)

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry.
Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes.
For a classic red hue, stir in 1–2 drops of red food coloring (optional).
Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly. Use immediately, or store for later.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2 cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Calories per ¼ cup: 70 kcal

Variations

Spicy version: Add 1–2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Citrus twist: Substitute orange juice for pineapple juice for a slightly different flavor profile.
Low-sugar option: Reduce the brown sugar to ¼ cup or use a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup.
Ginger kick: Add ½ teaspoon of freshly grated ginger for a touch of spice and warmth.
No ketchup version: Use tomato paste with a splash of vinegar and extra sugar for a cleaner base.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze in ice cube trays, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Add a splash of water if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple juice?

Yes, canned pineapple juice works perfectly and adds the signature fruity flavor needed for this sauce.

Is red food coloring necessary?

No, it’s purely for appearance. The sauce will taste just as good without it.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe scales easily—just adjust the pan size and extend cooking time slightly.

How thick should the sauce be?

It should coat the back of a spoon and have a glossy, pourable consistency—not too thick or runny.

Is this sauce vegan?

Yes, all ingredients are plant-based.

Can I make this sauce without cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder or flour as a thickener, but cornstarch provides the best clear, glossy result.

What can I serve this with?

Sweet and sour chicken, pork, tofu, egg rolls, wontons, spring rolls, or even grilled vegetables.

How long does the sauce last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it keeps for up to 7 days.

Can I make it less sweet?

Yes, reduce the brown sugar to suit your taste or balance it with a bit more vinegar.

Is ketchup necessary?

Ketchup provides flavor, sweetness, acidity, and color. If omitted, you’ll need to compensate with additional tomato paste and seasoning.

Conclusion

Homemade Sweet & Sour Sauce is a quick, flavorful addition to any kitchen, ready in just 10 minutes with everyday pantry ingredients. With its classic balance of fruity, tangy, and sweet, it transforms ordinary dishes into something special. Whether used for dipping, drizzling, or glazing, this versatile sauce is a must-have for your favorite Asian-inspired meals.

Homemade Sweet & Sour Sauce

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This vibrant homemade sweet and sour sauce is the perfect balance of tangy vinegar, sweet pineapple, and mellow brown sugar. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s ideal for stir-fries, dipping, or drizzling over your favorite Asian-inspired dishes.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 cups 1x
Category: Condiment
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

6 ounces pineapple juice
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
1 to 2 drops red food coloring (optional)

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Instructions

In a small saucepan, whisk together pineapple juice, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
Heat over medium heat, bringing to a simmer while stirring occasionally until the mixture is well combined.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry.
Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
Optional: Add 1–2 drops of red food coloring for a classic look.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using or storing in a sealed container in the refrigerator.