Special Sweet And Sour Sauce
A vibrant sweet and sour sauce with fresh vegetables, perfect for stir-fries and Asian-inspired dishes, offering a balance of tangy, savory, and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop the Chinese greens, bean sprouts, green onions, water chestnuts, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms.
- Saute the chopped vegetables in cooking oil over medium heat.
- Do not overcook the vegetables; cook until just tender.
- Prepare the sweet and sour sauce by combining soup stock, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sake, and cornstarch in a saucepan.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring constantly until it thickens.
- Add the cooked vegetables to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve hot as a side dish or over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly or let it simmer longer. If you don’t have sake, white wine or apple juice can be good substitutes. You can also experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added color and nutrition. This sauce works well for dishes like Sweet-N-Sour Sauce For Stir-Fry, enhancing their flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sweet and sour sauce over steamed rice or as a vibrant side dish. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or tofu for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve it alongside other Asian-inspired dishes, such as Oriental Cherry Chicken, for a delightful and cohesive dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating without overcooking the vegetables.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Special Sweet And Sour Sauce contains roughly 1099 calories, with 2g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 100g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 553mg per serving (24% 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 the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it gently before adding the sautéed vegetables. This way, you can enjoy a quick and easy meal on busy nights.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This Special Sweet And Sour Sauce is naturally vegetarian-friendly. You can ensure it's fully vegan by using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. It pairs well with a variety of vegetables, making it a great option for vegan recipes.
What can I serve with this sweet and sour sauce?
This sauce is versatile and can be served with rice, noodles, or as part of a stir-fry. Try it alongside grilled meats or tofu, or serve it with a fresh salad like Chinese Ramen Salad for a balanced meal that is both satisfying and flavorful.
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).