Kicked Up Sweet and Sour Sauce
Transform your meals with this vibrant Kicked Up Sweet and Sour Sauce, the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. Crafted with a luscious base of pineapple juice, ketchup, and brown sugar, this sauce gets its signature kick from fresh ginger, minced garlic, and a dash of red pepper flakes. A cornstarch slurry ensures a silky, glossy texture that clings beautifully to anything it touches—think crispy fried chicken, grilled shrimp, or stir-fried veggies. Ready in just 15 minutes, this versatile condiment is as easy as it is delicious, making it an ideal addition to weeknight dinners or party spreads. Impress your guests with this irresistible homemade take on a takeout classic, and enjoy its bold, crave-worthy flavor profile on everything from spring rolls to rice bowls!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
- 0.5 cup ketchup
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir to combine.
Peel and finely mince the garlic and ginger. Add them to the saucepan along with the red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
Slowly pour the slurry into the saucepan while stirring constantly to avoid clumping.
Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed (add more sugar for sweetness or a pinch of salt for balance).
Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
603 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.3 g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1673 mg | 73% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 148.6 g | 54% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 125.6 g | ||
| Protein | 3.5 g | 7% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 114 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 523 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
