Karen Baxter'S Sweet-N-Sour Sauce
A tangy and sweet sauce with a perfect balance of vinegar, sugar, and soy, ideal for Chinese-inspired dishes or as a dipping sauce for a flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix water, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce in a saucepan.
- Dissolve cornstarch in 1/2 cup water and add to the mixture.
- Bring to a boil while stirring constantly until thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, you can increase the cornstarch slightly, but be careful not to add too much or it could become gummy. You can substitute apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor or use agave syrup in place of sugar for a vegan option. This sweet-n-sour sauce is versatile and works well in recipes like Ham And Broccoli Stir-Fry.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet-n-sour sauce is perfect for drizzling over stir-fried vegetables or grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Baked Wontons or can be used as a dipping sauce for appetizers. Consider serving it alongside rice or noodles to soak up the delicious flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When reheating, do so on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid separation. If the sauce thickens too much upon cooling, you can add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Karen Baxter'S Sweet-N-Sour Sauce contains roughly 243 calories, with 2g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 795mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this sweet-n-sour sauce in advance. Just follow the recipe, let it cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully, and you can reheat it when ready to use.
What dishes can I use this sauce with?
This sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in various dishes. It's great with stir-fries, particularly the Ez Stir-Fry, or as a glaze for grilled chicken and fish. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or fried appetizers.
Can I make this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, to make this sauce gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free, which makes this sauce suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).