Sweet And Sour Stir-Fry Sauce

Cuisine: Chinese

A vibrant sweet and sour stir-fry sauce featuring soy, pineapple, and vinegar, perfect for adding a tangy glaze to vegetables or meats in Asian-inspired dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, vinegar, and cornstarch in a bowl.
  2. Add the mixture to stir-fried vegetables when the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  3. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables.

Tips & Substitutions

For a thicker sauce, consider increasing the cornstarch slightly or allowing it to cook longer once added to the stir-fry. If you’re out of pineapple juice, orange juice can be a great substitute, adding a different but complementary flavor. Experiment with adding garlic or ginger to the sauce for an extra kick, which can enhance dishes like Sweet-Sour Spareribs With Pineapple.

Serving Suggestions

This sweet and sour stir-fry sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of proteins, such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It also complements dishes like Debbie'S Chinese Salad, making it a versatile addition to your repertoire of Chinese recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When reheating, gently warm over low heat to prevent separation, and whisk in a bit of water or additional pineapple juice if it becomes too thick. This sauce can also be frozen in ice cube trays for easy future use.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet And Sour Stir-Fry Sauce contains roughly 85 calories, with 1g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1030mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).

85 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.2g 2% DV
Total Fat 0.1g
Carbs 19.6g 7% DV
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 14.5g 29% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1030.3mg 45% DV
Potassium 113.8mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 3.5mg 4% DV
Calcium 17.6mg 1% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% 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 adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup. Just remember to taste as you go, adjusting the levels to your liking.

Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, this sauce is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Be sure to check that your soy sauce is also labeled as vegan, as some brands may contain additives. This sauce can enhance any vegan stir-fry, making it a great addition to your vegan recipes.

How can I make this sauce spicier?

To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes, sriracha, or even a dash of chili oil to the sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your spice preference. This can give your stir-fry an exciting kick without overpowering the sweet and sour 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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