Sweet And Sour Dipping Sauce

Prep: 5 min Cuisine: Chinese

A tangy and sweet dipping sauce with a perfect balance of vinegar, sugar, and savory condiments, ideal for fried appetizers or grilled dishes, appealing to those craving bold flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 5 Tbsp. sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. tomato catsup
  • 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together.
  2. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Tips & Substitutions

For a balanced flavor, adjust the sugar according to your sweetness preference. You can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a milder taste. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, ensure the soy sauce is labeled gluten-free. This sauce also works well as a marinade for meats, making it a versatile addition to various Chinese recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This sweet and sour dipping sauce pairs beautifully with appetizers like spring rolls, egg rolls, or chicken skewers. It also complements dishes like Szechuan Broccoli or can be used as a tangy drizzle over grilled meats. For a complete meal, serve it alongside Colorful Fried Rice or a refreshing Green Bean Salad(Chinese Style).

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover dipping sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If the sauce thickens, simply stir in a teaspoon of water to restore its consistency before serving. This makes it a convenient option to prepare in advance for parties or meal prep.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet And Sour Dipping Sauce contains roughly 47 calories, with 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1379mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).

47 kcal 2% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.9g 4% DV
Total Fat 0.2g
Carbs 10g 4% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1379.1mg 60% DV
Potassium 218.1mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.4mcg
Vitamin C 11.9mg 13% DV
Calcium 18.9mg 1% DV
Iron 0.6mg 4% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Soy

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?

Absolutely! This sweet and sour dipping sauce can be prepared a day or two in advance. Just mix the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together beautifully, enhancing the taste when you're ready to serve it.

Is this sauce suitable for vegans?

Yes, this sweet and sour dipping sauce is suitable for vegans as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the Worcestershire sauce you use is vegan-friendly, as some brands may include anchovies. Otherwise, it’s a great addition to any vegan recipes.

How can I adjust the spice level of this sauce?

To add heat to your sweet and sour dipping sauce, consider incorporating a small amount of chili sauce or red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and gradually increase to your desired spice level. This will give the sauce an exciting kick while maintaining its sweet and tangy balance.

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).

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