Sweet And Sour Sauce For Wings

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A vibrant sweet and sour sauce with a perfect balance of tangy vinegar, sweet sugar, and savory soy, ideal for dipping or drizzling over crispy chicken wings. This versatile sauce delivers bold flavors that complement the crispy texture, making it a favorite for casual gatherings and game days.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. water
  • 1/3 c. cider vinegar
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1/8 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. ketchup
  • 2 Tbsp. cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients, except cornstarch, and bring to a boil.
  2. Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then add to the boiling mixture for thickening.
  3. Serve over cooked chicken wings.

Tips & Substitutions

For a balanced flavor, consider using rice vinegar instead of cider vinegar for a milder taste. If you're looking for a lower-sugar option, replace the sugar with honey or a sugar substitute. To enhance the sauce's depth, add garlic powder or red pepper flakes. Make sure to mix the cornstarch thoroughly with water to prevent lumps before adding it to the boiling mixture.

Serving Suggestions

This sweet and sour sauce pairs beautifully with cooked chicken wings, making it perfect for game day or casual gatherings. Serve alongside crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a delightful twist, try drizzling it over grilled shrimp or tofu, making it suitable for both American recipes and vegan recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When reheating, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain a smooth consistency. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to achieve the desired texture before serving again.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet And Sour Sauce For Wings contains roughly 70 calories, with 3g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

70 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.6g 5% DV
Total Fat 0.3g
Carbs 16g 6% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 241.6mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.1mcg
Vitamin C 21.8mg 24% DV
Calcium 22.2mg 2% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb 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?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving. This allows the flavors to meld, providing a richer taste when it's time to enjoy your wings.

What can I substitute for cornstarch?

If you don't have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as alternatives. Both will thicken the sauce similarly, though you may need to adjust the amounts slightly based on the thickness you desire.

How can I make this sauce spicier?

To add some heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the mixture while cooking. This will give the sauce a nice kick that complements the sweetness.

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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