—
When we dive into what is in sweet and sour sauce, there’s a world of flavors waiting to greet you. You might be wondering why this sauce is so beloved in various cuisines. Well, it’s the perfect balance between tangy and sweet, making it an absolute favorite for dipping, glazing, or just enhancing your dishes. In this article, I’ll break down three fantastic recipes I found from sources like BBC Good Food, All Recipes, and Serious Eats. So, let’s get cooking!
Contents
Link 1: BBC Good Food

Recipe Overview
Let’s kick things off with the recipe from BBC Good Food. It’s a classic take, simple yet flavorful. I like to think of it as the starting point for anyone looking to dabble in making their own sauces.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’re going to need:
– Pineapple juice: The key ingredient that brings that sweet punch.
– Vinegar: Adds the tanginess we all love.
– Sugar: Enhances the sweetness, balancing the flavors.
– Soy sauce: Provides that umami depth.
– Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent.
Instructions
1. Combine ingredients: Mix all the ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Heat until thickened: Cook over medium heat until it reaches your desired thickness.
3. Serving suggestions: Use it as a glaze for meat, or even a dip for spring rolls. Yum!
The blend of pineapple juice and vinegar really kicks things up a notch. Honestly, this recipe features an incredible flavor harmony.
Link 2: All Recipes

Recipe Overview
Next up is a quick and easy recipe from All Recipes, which is perfect if you’re in a hurry but don’t want to sacrifice taste.
Key Ingredients
This one keeps things straightforward with:
– Pineapple juice
– Brown sugar: Gives a different sweetness compared to regular sugar.
– Vinegar
– Soy sauce
– Ketchup: Yes, it might sound unusual, but it contributes to the depth.
– Cornstarch
Instructions
1. Mix ingredients in a saucepan: Combine everything and stir to dissolve the sugar.
2. Bring to a boil while stirring: This helps it thicken beautifully.
3. Serve once thickened: You’ll have a sauce ready in no time!
Remember, using brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a nice caramel flavor—it’s all about that sweet and sour balance!
Link 3: Serious Eats
Recipe Overview
Last but definitely not least, we have the in-depth recipe from Serious Eats. This offering is perfect if you’re a flavor enthusiast looking to experiment a bit more.
Key Ingredients
Here’s the lineup:
– Rice vinegar: A slightly milder alternative to regular vinegar.
– Sugar
– Tomato paste: Adds richness and a unique flavor.
– Soy sauce
– Pineapple juice
– Cornstarch
– Optional spices: Like garlic and ginger for an extra kick.
Instructions
1. Cook and combine ingredients: Start by cooking the vinegar and sugar over low heat, gradually mixing in the rest.
2. Adjust flavors to taste: This is the fun part! Add more pineapple juice if you want more sweetness.
3. Serving suggestions: Try it over rice or as a dipping sauce for fried goodies!
Using tomato paste in this recipe might seem odd, but trust me, it adds a wonderful depth of flavor. This recipe allows you to play around with the ingredients to suit your palate.
Conclusion
Now that you know the ins and outs of what is in sweet and sour sauce, I would love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to leave a comment, share your cooking experiments, or explore more recipes on Smokerestaurant.com. Happy cooking!