Sweet And Sour Sauce

Prep: 5 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Sweet and Sour Sauce is a delightful blend of tangy vinegar, rich brown sugar, and zesty mustard, creating a vibrant glaze that perfectly complements chicken. This dish offers a balance of flavors that appeals to families and anyone looking to elevate their weeknight meals.

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Ingredients

  • 1 stick butter
  • 1 cup catsup
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil, mixing thoroughly.
  3. Pour over chicken and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of regular. You can substitute apple cider vinegar for a different tang or use honey instead of brown sugar for a less intense sweetness. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. This sauce works well not just with chicken, but also pairs beautifully with Broiled Zucchini Squash.

Serving Suggestions

This Sweet and Sour Sauce is perfect over baked chicken, but it also complements grilled shrimp or tofu well. Serve it alongside steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Consider pairing it with a side of Broccoli Supreme for a nutritious touch, or use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to avoid separation. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet And Sour Sauce contains roughly 429 calories, with 8g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value), protein (16% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

429 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.9g 16% DV
Total Fat 1.6g 2% DV
Carbs 100.7g 37% DV
Fiber 4.2g 15% DV
Sugar 66.8g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 195.8mg 9% DV
Potassium 696.5mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 3.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 23.7mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 2.1mg 2% DV
Calcium 99.7mg 8% DV
Iron 3.3mg 18% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the overall taste. Just remember to reheat it gently before using it on your chicken or other dishes.

Is this sauce suitable for vegetarian recipes?

Absolutely! This Sweet and Sour Sauce is vegetarian-friendly. It can be used as a glaze for tofu or drizzled over roasted vegetables. Just ensure that you serve it with vegetarian proteins or veggies for a complete meal option.

How can I adjust the sweetness of this sauce?

To adjust sweetness, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute it with a sugar alternative like agave nectar or stevia. Taste the sauce as you go to find the perfect balance of sweetness and sourness that suits your palate.

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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