Microwave Sweet And Sour Sauce
A vibrant microwave sweet and sour sauce featuring pineapple, green pepper, and pimiento, perfect for pairing with chicken, pork, or vegetables for a quick flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 1 1/2-quart casserole, stir together sugar, cornstarch, and water until well blended.
- Stir in pineapple, green pepper, pimiento, garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and Tabasco.
- Microwave on High for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, until thick and clear.
- Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes to develop flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly or microwave longer. You can substitute the crushed pineapple with diced fresh pineapple or other fruits like mango for a different flavor. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar. Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper can give it a nice kick, pairing well with dishes like Deep Fried Tofu.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet and sour sauce is perfect as a dip or drizzle over dishes like stir-fried vegetables or grilled chicken. It pairs beautifully with rice or noodles and can also complement a variety of Asian-inspired dishes. Consider serving it alongside Chinese Chicken Salad (I Love This Recipe. . .) for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sweet and sour sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened, add a splash of water to return it to the desired consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Sweet And Sour Sauce contains roughly 233 calories, with 5g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1189mg per serving (52% 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, this sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. It actually benefits from sitting, as the flavors meld together. Just remember to reheat it gently before serving.
What can I use instead of cider vinegar?
If you don't have cider vinegar, white vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as a substitute. Each will add a slightly different flavor profile, but they will still work well in the sauce.
How can I thicken the sauce if it doesn't thicken enough?
If your sauce doesn't thicken to your liking, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce while microwaving until it reaches the desired consistency.
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).