Restaurant Style Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Enjoy the bright, tangy flavors of a classic restaurant-style sweet and sour sauce made right in your kitchen. This easy recipe balances pineapple, vinegar, and soy sauce for a perfect glaze that’s great on chicken, pork, or veggies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pineapple juice*
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons soy sauce or gluten-free tamari**
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2-4 drops red food coloring (optional, but very recommended)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan, whisk together pineapple juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. Place over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 2: While waiting for the sauce to boil, combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
- Step 3: Once the sauce is boiling with large bubbles, slowly add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat immediately.
- Step 4: Stir in the red food coloring carefully at this stage to maintain its bright color.
- Step 5: Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before using or storing.
Tips & Variations
- Use pineapple juice straight from the can for authentic flavor—about one can plus a little extra.
- Adjust soy sauce or tamari quantity to taste; tamari is stronger and may need to be used sparingly.
- For a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Skip the red food coloring if you prefer a natural look, but the color really enhances the classic presentation.
Storage
Store the sweet and sour sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving, stirring well to restore the sauce’s smooth texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple juice instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple juice can be used but it may alter the sweetness and acidity slightly. Adjust sugar and vinegar to balance accordingly.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
The sauce can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce. Always check the label to confirm no gluten-containing ingredients are included.
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Restaurant Style Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup of sweet and sour sauce 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This restaurant-style sweet and sour sauce is a perfectly balanced blend of tangy pineapple juice, rice vinegar, and soy sauce, thickened with cornstarch to achieve the ideal consistency for dipping or glazing. It features a vibrant red color enhanced by optional food coloring, offering an authentic and visually appealing condiment to elevate your favorite Asian-inspired dishes.
Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pineapple juice
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1–2 tablespoons soy sauce or gluten-free tamari
Dry and Thickening Agents
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Others
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2–4 drops red food coloring (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Combine base ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the pineapple juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce (or tamari), and granulated sugar until fully blended.
- Heat the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, ensuring the sugar is completely dissolved and flavors meld.
- Prepare cornstarch slurry: While waiting for the sauce to boil, stir together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth, creating a slurry that will thicken the sauce.
- Thicken the sauce: Once the sauce is boiling with big bubbles, gradually pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to a glossy, smooth consistency.
- Remove from heat and add color: Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the red food coloring drops. Adding the coloring at this stage preserves its vibrant hue.
- Cool and store: Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before transferring it into a sealed container. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Notes
- The 1 cup of pineapple juice is slightly more than a standard 8-ounce can, so measure accordingly.
- Check labels carefully when choosing soy sauce or tamari to ensure it is gluten-free and free from added sugars.
- Tamari has a stronger flavor than soy sauce; start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste to avoid overpowering the sauce.
- Do not add food coloring before thickening as it will lose vibrancy and require more coloring.
- This sauce is ideal for dipping or drizzling over fried or grilled dishes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: sweet and sour sauce, asian sauce, pineapple sauce, gluten free sauce, restaurant style sauce, tangy sauce
