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This easy sweet and sour sauce recipe comes together with pantry staples: ketchup, vinegar and a touch of oyster sauce. Sweet, tangy and perfect for dipping, glazing or drizzling over meats and veggies.
Homemade Sweet And Sour Sauce
I tested this homemade sweet and sour sauce a few times to get the flavor just right. It’s nothing like the thick, overly sweet versions you sometimes get at takeout places in the US. Instead, this homemade sauce has a bright, balanced tang and just the right touch of sweetness, which makes it perfect for dishes like Sweet and Sour Pork or Sweet and Sour Fish.
It’s also super versatile. If you’re looking for an easy homemade sauce recipe with simple pantry ingredients that tastes like it came from your favorite Chinese restaurant, this is it. Try it as a dipping sauce for fried tofu, chicken, or fish nuggets, or make a double batch and keep it in the fridge for up to a week so you always have some on hand for quick meals. Check out the How To Use It In Everyday Meals section below for more ideas.
For more homemade sauce recipes, check out my Homemade Teriyaki Sauce and Steamed Fish Sauce.
A Little Background: This sauce is a classic Chinese condiment with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. Traditionally made with vinegar and sugar, it often includes ketchup or tomato paste for color and depth. This sauce isn’t just for restaurant dishes, it’s a staple in many Asian home kitchens and can be used for everything from stir-fries to dipping sauces.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ketchup
- Apple cider vinegar
- Oyster sauce
- Sugar
See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full list of ingredients and details.
Pro Tip #1: Ketchup As The Sweet Base
Ketchup gives the sauce its familiar red color, sweetness and tomato backbone. It’s the easiest way to get big flavor without using a lot of ingredients.
Pro Tip #2: Apple Cider Vinegar For Tang
The vinegar adds that sharpness that cuts through sweetness. Apple cider vinegar works well for its mild flavor. You can use rice vinegar if you prefer something gentler.
Pro Tip #3: Oyster Sauce For Depth
Oyster sauce adds richness and umami, giving the sauce that extra “oomph” so it doesn’t taste one-dimensional. For a vegan or vegetarian version, try a vegetarian “oyster” sauce made from mushrooms.
Pro Tip #4: Sugar To Balance Everything
A spoonful of sugar smooths out the flavor profile. It balances ketchup’s acidity and vinegar’s tang. You could reduce it slightly if you like things less sweet.
Extra Tip: No Cornstarch Needed
I skip cornstarch because the sauce naturally thickens as it simmers. The ketchup gives it just enough body, so you still get a glossy, clingy finish without that heavy, starchy texture.
How To Make Sweet And Sour Sauce
Put everything into a small saucepan.
Give it a good stir so it’s all mixed together nicely.
Set the pan over medium heat and let it warm until you see gentle bubbles.
Then switch off the heat and let it cool a bit before using.
Cooking Tip: If you’re making one of my sweet and sour recipes, just mix the sauce together in a small bowl first, then follow the steps in that recipe for when to add it.
Storage Tip: Let the sauce cool completely, then pour it into a clean, airtight jar or container. Keep it in the fridge and it’ll stay fresh for about a week. Give it a quick stir before using.
How To Use It In Everyday Meals
This sauce is so versatile that once you’ve made it, you’ll start finding excuses to use it in all kinds of meals. It’s the kind of quick flavor boost that turns simple dishes into something special. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
- Dipping sauce: Serve alongside crispy Spring Rolls, Pan Fried Dumplings, or fried tofu for an easy appetizer.
- Glaze: Brush over grilled chicken, pork, or fish in the last few minutes of cooking for a glossy, flavorful finish.
- Stir-fry booster: Add a spoonful to your favorite veggie or noodle stir-fry for a quick hit of sweet and tangy flavor.
- Marinade: Mix with a bit of oil and marinate chicken or shrimp before cooking to lock in flavor.
- Rice or noodle topper: Drizzle over plain steamed rice or freshly cooked noodles for an instant flavor upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Just keep the ingredient ratios the same and use a larger saucepan. Stir well so the sugar dissolves evenly.
Cut the sugar by half and taste as you go. If it needs a little more tang to balance, add a few extra drops of apple cider vinegar.
If you want it a little thicker, simmer it for a few extra minutes until it reduces.
I don’t recommend freezing because the vinegar and sugar can separate and change the texture once it thaws. If you need to store it longer, keep it in the fridge in an airtight container and use it within about 5–7 days for the best flavor.
This recipe makes 1/3 cup (80ml) and contains 220 calories.
Other Sweet And Sour Recipes You Might Like
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Sweet and Sour Sauce
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons water
- ½ tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a saucepan and stir until well combined.
- Place over medium heat. When the sauce starts to bubble, turn off the heat and set aside to cool.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
