Sweet-Sour Sauce
Sweet-sour sauce with pineapple, peppers, and onion offers a tangy, sweet flavor profile perfect for stir-fries and grilled dishes, appealing to those craving bold tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix brown sugar and cornstarch in a 10-inch skillet.
- Add enough water to the reserved pineapple syrup to measure 2 1/4 cups.
- Stir the syrup/water mixture, vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce into the skillet.
- Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and boils.
- Stir in pineapple, green pepper, and onion.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve over prepared pork or chicken.
Tips & Substitutions
For a balanced sweetness, adjust the brown sugar to your taste, or substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes. You can also use fresh pineapple if you have it on hand. For a thicker sauce, increase cornstarch slightly, but remember to mix it with cold water before adding to avoid lumps.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet-sour sauce pairs beautifully with prepared pork or chicken. Serve it over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables like Snow Peas Oriental for a colorful meal. Consider garnishing with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sweet-sour sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet-Sour Sauce contains roughly 574 calories, with 1g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 828mg per serving (36% 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 make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet-sour sauce ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator after cooking and reheat it when you're ready to use it. This allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste.
Is this sauce suitable for a vegan diet?
Absolutely! This sweet-sour sauce is naturally vegan, as it contains no animal products. It's a great addition to vegan recipes, especially when served with vegetables or tofu.
What can I use instead of pineapple chunks?
If you don't have pineapple chunks, you can substitute with diced bell peppers or mango for a different flavor profile. However, keep in mind that the sweetness will vary, so adjust the sugar accordingly.
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).