This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please visit my disclosure page.

Last Updated on June 7, 2020 by Lisa Johnson

It is no secret that I love dipping my food. Chicken Tenders into Homemade Ranch Dressing, and Crab Rangoons into Sweet and Sour Sauce. Unfortunately the Sweet and Sauce Sauce that you find in the grocery store aisle is sickly sweet and dyed red with artificial color! This version is closer to a traditional Sweet and Sour Sauce and does not contain corn syrup or coloring…..

It is not too sweet, and not too sour…..it is just right! This has been our family’s go-to Sweet and Sour Sauce for almost 15 years now, so it is kid and dinner party guest approved. 😉

How to make Sweet and Sour Sauce:

Place vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Cook stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves…..

Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, and add it to the saucepan…..

Continue stirring until mixture thickens. Remove from heat and add the pineapple juice…..

Serve with your favorite appetizers, like these Crispy Pork Wontons…..

I got tired of eating salads and decided to get a jump on Chinese New Year!! 😉

Notes:

This recipe can easily be doubled or halved based on your needs.
This sauce has a nice balance of sweet to sour. If you would like it sweeter, add more sugar. For more sour/tangy flavor add more vinegar.
If you do not have cornstarch, do not substitute arrowroot powder. It will turn into a gummy/gooey sauce. It will still taste good, but it is not as appetizing…trust me.

More delicious recipes from our Christmas dinner this year:

I know, we’re a bit nuts around here. 🙂 We also had Mongolian Beef.

Fried Rice.

the Pork Wontons that are seen above, Orange Chicken, and Almond Cookies for dessert.

I guess you can say that our Christmas dinner was crazy and productive. 😉

Enjoy!!