Sweet Sour Basting Sauce
A tangy, sweet and sour basting sauce featuring pineapple, green pepper, and garlic, perfect for glazing meats during broiling, barbecuing, or roasting for a vibrant flavor boost.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend the brown sugar, salad oil, crushed garlic, salt, wine vinegar, minced green pepper, pimento, and pineapple juice concentrate until smooth.
- Brush the sauce on meat while it broils, barbecues, or roasts.
- Garnish with pepper strips and pineapple before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, let the sauce sit for at least an hour before using it. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can substitute the wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a different taste. If you don't have frozen pineapple juice concentrate, fresh pineapple juice works as a great alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet and sour basting sauce is delightful when brushed on grilled chicken, pork, or tofu. Serve alongside a refreshing salad, like Hawaiian Coleslaw, or alongside rice or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish with additional pepper strips for a colorful presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Be careful not to boil it, as this can alter the flavor and consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Sour Basting Sauce contains roughly 80 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1005mg per serving (44% 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 use this sauce for grilling vegetables?
Absolutely! This sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Brush it on during the last few minutes of grilling to enhance the flavor without burning the sugars.
How can I make this sauce vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly since it doesn't include any animal products. Feel free to use it as a marinade or basting sauce for your favorite vegan recipes, such as grilled tempeh or eggplant.
What meats work best with this sauce?
This basting sauce complements a variety of meats, especially chicken and pork. It's also great on beef, particularly when grilling steaks. For a unique twist, try it with lamb to add a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
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).