Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe: Make the Takeaway Classic at Home

Why Sweet and Sour Sauce is a Takeaway Favourite

Sweet and sour sauce is one of the most beloved elements of Chinese takeaway menus across the UK. Its vibrant orange-red colour, glossy texture, and balance of tangy and sweet flavours make it irresistible. Whether it’s drizzled over crispy chicken balls, tossed with stir-fried vegetables, or served alongside spring rolls, this sauce delivers comfort and nostalgia in every bite.

The good news? You don’t need to order takeaway to enjoy it. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can make sweet and sour sauce at home that rivals your local Chinese restaurant.

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Ingredients for Authentic Sweet and Sour Sauce

For a basic version (makes about 1½ cups):

• 120ml (½ cup) rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 120ml (½ cup) water
• 100g (½ cup) caster sugar
• 60ml (¼ cup) tomato ketchup
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
• 2 tbsp water (for the cornflour slurry)

Optional for extra flavour:

• 1 tbsp pineapple juice
• 1 tsp finely grated ginger
• Pinch of chilli flakes for heat

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine the liquids
In a small saucepan, whisk together vinegar, 120ml water, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce. Place over medium heat.

2. Heat gently
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar completely. This forms the sweet-tangy base.

3. Thicken the sauce
In a small bowl, mix cornflour with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry. Slowly pour this into the simmering sauce while whisking constantly. The sauce will begin to thicken almost immediately.

4. Adjust and enhance
Taste and adjust the flavour: add more sugar for sweetness, more vinegar for tang, or a splash of pineapple juice for tropical depth.

5. Serve and store
Use straight away or cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

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Serving Ideas for Sweet and Sour Sauce

One of the joys of sweet and sour sauce is its versatility. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy it:

1. Sweet and Sour Chicken

Coat battered chicken pieces in the sauce for the ultimate takeaway-style dinner. Serve with boiled rice or egg-fried rice.

2. Pork Stir-Fry

Add the sauce to stir-fried pork strips with peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks for a quick weeknight dinner.

3. Fish Fillets

Crispy battered fish pairs wonderfully with this sauce – perfect for a twist on fish and chips.

4. Dipping Sauce for Starters

Serve in a small bowl alongside spring rolls, wontons, or chicken skewers.

5. Vegetable Stir-Fry

Toss the sauce through a mix of broccoli, carrots, and snap peas for a vegetarian-friendly dish.

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Tips for Perfect Sweet and Sour Sauce Every Time

• Balance is key: Sweet and sour flavours should be in harmony – adjust sugar and vinegar to taste.
• Don’t over-thicken: The sauce should be glossy and pourable, not stodgy.
• Serve warm: This sauce tastes best fresh off the hob.
• Customise: Add garlic, ginger, or chilli flakes for extra flavour.

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Healthier Variations

If you love sweet and sour sauce but want a lighter version, try:

• Replacing sugar with honey or maple syrup.
• Using low-sodium soy sauce.
• Adding puréed vegetables like red pepper for natural sweetness and colour.

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Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight jar for up to 7 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in small portions for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the hob, adding a splash of water if too thick.

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FAQs About Sweet and Sour Sauce

Q1: Can I make sweet and sour sauce without ketchup?
Yes – use tomato purée with a little extra sugar and vinegar for a more natural base.

Q2: How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and ensure cornflour is certified gluten-free.

Q3: Why is my sauce cloudy?
Overcooking the cornflour can cause cloudiness – add the slurry slowly and stir well.

Q4: Can I make it spicier?
Yes – add chilli flakes or fresh chopped red chilli while simmering.

Q5: What can I serve it with besides chicken?
Try it with pork, prawns, tofu, vegetable stir-fries, or as a dipping sauce.