Classic Sweet and Sour Sauce

Name: Classic Sweet and Sour Sauce
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 4 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 2 cloves garlic, minced; as needed cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water)

A versatile Chinese-inspired sauce with the perfect balance of tangy vinegar and sweet sugar. This sauce clings beautifully to fried dishes, stir-fries, and glazes.

15 min

Easy

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Story

This classic sweet and sour sauce is a staple in Chinese cooking. It's incredibly quick to make and works wonderfully with dishes like sweet and sour pork, General Tso's chicken, or as a dipping sauce for fried items.

Ingredients

soy sauce 2 tablespoons

rice vinegar 3 tablespoons

sugar 4 tablespoons

ketchup 2 tablespoons

garlic, minced 2 cloves

cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) as needed

Instructions

Combine the base

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and ketchup until the sugar begins to dissolve.

Cook the sauce

Pour the mixture into a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.

Thicken to perfection

Gradually drizzle in the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously. The sauce will thicken within 30 seconds to a glossy, clingy consistency. Remove from heat immediately.