Tangy Tropical Sweet and Sour Sauce
This delightful Tangy Tropical Sweet and Sour Sauce is a chef-crafted enhancement to a beloved classic from Taste of Home's Quick Cooking. With its rich, glossy texture and a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this sauce effortlessly elevates any dish. Whether drizzled over grilled chicken, tossed with crispy veggies, or paired with succulent meatballs, this versatile concoction will leave your taste buds craving more. Prepare to impress your family and guests with the best homemade sweet and sour sauce that surpasses any store-bought variety!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
pineapple juice
1 cup (freshly squeezed or canned)
water
1/3 cup (none)
vinegar
3 tablespoons (distilled or rice vinegar)
soy sauce
1 tablespoon (low-sodium recommended)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
cornstarch
3 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple juice, water, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
2
Whisk the mixture thoroughly until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
3
Place the saucepan over medium heat and continue stirring constantly as the mixture heats up.
4
Once it begins to bubble, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a gooey consistency.
5
Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tangy Tropical Sweet and Sour Sauce?
It is a chef-crafted enhancement to a classic recipe from Taste of Home's Quick Cooking, featuring a rich, glossy texture and a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is a quick cooking recipe that involves simply combining ingredients and simmering them until thickened.
What are the main ingredients for this sauce?
The sauce is made using pineapple juice, water, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
How do I make the sauce thick?
The cornstarch acts as a thickening agent. You must whisk it into the cold liquid and then simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes until it reaches a gooey consistency.
What type of pineapple juice should I use?
You can use either freshly squeezed or canned pineapple juice for this recipe.
Can I use rice vinegar in this recipe?
Yes, you can use either distilled or rice vinegar depending on your preference.
Is soy sauce necessary for this sweet and sour sauce?
Yes, it adds depth of flavor; using a low-sodium soy sauce is specifically recommended.
How much brown sugar is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch is used to create a rich, glossy, and gooey texture as the sauce heats up.
How long does it take to cook the sauce?
Once the mixture begins to bubble, it only needs to simmer for approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
Can I store this sauce for later use?
Yes, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long does the sauce last in the fridge?
The sauce will stay fresh for up to one week when refrigerated in an airtight container.
Is this sauce better than store-bought options?
This homemade version is designed to surpass any store-bought variety in both flavor and quality.
What dishes pair well with this sauce?
It pairs excellently with grilled chicken, crispy vegetables, and succulent meatballs.
Can I use this recipe as a glaze?
Absolutely, the thick and glossy consistency makes it a versatile glaze for many different proteins.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all the listed ingredients—pineapple juice, water, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch—are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I reduce the sodium in this recipe?
Yes, using a low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to help control the sodium content.
What is the final texture of the sauce?
The final sauce has a rich, glossy, and gooey consistency.
Can I use this for a meatball appetizer?
Yes, it is highly recommended for pairing with succulent meatballs for a flavorful appetizer.
Is this a good sauce for grilled chicken?
Yes, drizzling this sauce over grilled chicken provides a delightful tropical flavor profile.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 6 servings.
What is the origin of this recipe inspiration?
The recipe is an enhanced version of a classic found in Taste of Home's Quick Cooking.
Do I need to whisk the mixture constantly?
Yes, it is important to whisk the cornstarch until dissolved and continue stirring constantly while heating to ensure a smooth sauce.
What heat setting should I use?
You should cook the mixture over medium heat until it bubbles, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
Can I toss this sauce with vegetables?
Yes, it is perfect for tossing with crispy vegetables for an Asian-style side dish.
What kind of container should I use for storage?
An airtight container is best to keep the sauce fresh in the refrigerator.
Is this considered Asian cuisine?
Yes, the recipe is categorized under Asian cuisine due to its flavor profile and ingredients.
Can I use canned pineapple juice?
Yes, canned pineapple juice is a perfectly acceptable and convenient option for this recipe.
Should the sauce cool before I use it?
It is recommended to let the sauce cool slightly after removing it from the heat before serving or storing.
Is this a good recipe for impressing guests?
Yes, its versatile nature and superior flavor compared to store-bought brands make it a great choice for family and guests alike.