Pineapple Zing Sweet & Sour Sauce
Elevate your dishes with this Pineapple Zing Sweet & Sour Sauce! A delightful combination of sweet brown sugar and tangy vinegar, enriched with the tropical essence of pineapple. Perfect for glazing grilled meats, drizzling over stir-fries, or as a vibrant dip for appetizers. This sauce is easy to prepare and can be made in just a few minutes, making it a great addition to your culinary repertoire. Share it with friends and family for a taste of tropical bliss!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Brown Sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Cornstarch
4 tablespoons
Pineapple Tidbits
1 (16 ounce) can (drained (reserve liquid))
Vinegar
1/2 cup
Ketchup
4 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a 2-quart saucepan, combine the packed brown sugar and cornstarch, mixing well.
2
Drain the pineapple tidbits, reserving the liquid. Measure out enough water to make a total of 2 cups when combined with the reserved pineapple liquid.
3
Gradually add the pineapple juice mixture to the sugar and starch, stirring well to avoid lumps.
4
Incorporate the vinegar and ketchup into the saucepan, mixing thoroughly.
5
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
6
Once thickened, fold in the drained pineapple tidbits for added texture and flavor.
7
Reduce the heat to very low and keep the sauce warm until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pineapple Zing Sweet & Sour Sauce?
It is a tropical condiment that combines sweet brown sugar and tangy vinegar with pineapple essence, perfect for glazing or dipping.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include brown sugar, cornstarch, canned pineapple tidbits, vinegar, and ketchup.
How do I start preparing the sauce?
Begin by mixing 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar and 4 tablespoons of cornstarch in a 2-quart saucepan.
How much liquid is needed for this recipe?
You need a total of 2 cups of liquid, created by combining the reserved pineapple juice from the can with enough water to reach the measure.
How do I avoid lumps in the sauce?
Gradually add the pineapple juice and water mixture to the dry ingredients while stirring constantly.
When do I add the vinegar and ketchup?
Incorporate the vinegar and ketchup into the saucepan after the juice mixture has been added to the sugar and starch.
What is the best way to cook the sauce?
Cook it over medium heat while stirring constantly until it thickens and reaches a gentle boil.
When should the pineapple tidbits be added?
Fold the drained pineapple tidbits into the sauce once it has already thickened and boiled.
How do I keep the sauce ready for serving?
Reduce the heat to very low to keep the sauce warm without overcooking it.
Can I use this as a glaze?
Yes, it is an excellent glaze for grilled meats like chicken or pork.
Is this sauce suitable for stir-fries?
Absolutely, it can be drizzled over stir-fries to add a sweet and tangy tropical flavor.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, but you will need to supplement with store-bought pineapple juice or water to reach the 2-cup liquid requirement.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe uses 5 main ingredients: brown sugar, cornstarch, pineapple tidbits, vinegar, and ketchup.
What kind of vinegar should I use?
White vinegar is standard, but apple cider vinegar can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I substitute the brown sugar?
White sugar can be used, though brown sugar provides a richer depth of flavor.
Is this sauce vegan?
Yes, the ingredients listed are typically vegan-friendly, though you should check your ketchup and sugar brands.
Is the sauce gluten-free?
The core ingredients are gluten-free, but always verify the labels on your ketchup and cornstarch for safety.
What size can of pineapple is required?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce can of pineapple tidbits.
Can I make the sauce spicy?
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a 'zing' of heat.
How long does it take to make?
It is a very quick recipe that can be prepared in just a few minutes once the ingredients are measured.
Can I use pineapple chunks instead of tidbits?
Yes, chunks work fine, though tidbits offer a smaller, more uniform texture for dipping.
What if the sauce is too thick?
You can thin it out by whisking in a small amount of extra water or pineapple juice.
What if the sauce is too thin?
Allow it to simmer for an extra minute or two, or add a tiny amount of extra cornstarch mixed with water.
How should I store leftovers?
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can this sauce be frozen?
While possible, the texture may change slightly due to the cornstarch; it is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Does this sauce contain any fat?
Based on the ingredients list, this sauce is naturally fat-free.
What can I serve this with besides meat?
It works great with fried tofu, spring rolls, or even as a topping for coconut shrimp.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredient measurements and ensure you use a large enough saucepan.
Why do I need to reserve the pineapple liquid?
The reserved liquid contains the concentrated pineapple flavor that forms the base of the sauce.
Is this sauce child-friendly?
Yes, the sweet and tangy profile is generally very popular with children and families.