Sweet Sour Sauce

Sweet & Sour Sauce – A Timeless Flavor

Sweet and sour flavors never go out of style, especially in stir-fries and sauces. This versatile sauce starts with a simple base of rice flour, rice syrup (or dark brown sugar), soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and water. From there, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and tang whenever you need it.

For a fresh-tasting sweet and sour sauce, opt for fresh fruits and vegetables. Simply blend until smooth, add to the sauce, and cook until thickened. Some great fruit options include pineapple, kiwi, passion fruit, apple, orange, tangerine, lemon, and grapes. Plums, a staple in traditional Chinese sauces, offer a deep, rich flavor. You can also add chili for heat or keep it mild, depending on your preference.

Health Benefits of Sweet & Sour Ingredients

Many of the fruits used in sweet and sour sauces offer impressive health benefits:

✔ Plums – High in fiber, they aid digestion and contain flavonoids that help fight free radicals. Their vitamin C contentalso supports immune health.
✔ Pineapple – A natural source of bromelain, which promotes digestion and reduces inflammation.
✔ Citrus Fruits (Tangerines, Oranges, Lemons) – Packed with vitamin C, they strengthen immunity and boost overall well-being.

How to Make It

1️⃣ Mix all ingredients well and place them in a saucepan over medium heat.
2️⃣ Stir continuously to break up any lumps of flour.
3️⃣ Bring to a boil, then keep stirring until the sauce thickens.
4️⃣ Remove from heat and let it cool before using.
5️⃣ If the sauce gets too thick, add a little water and stir until smooth again.
6️⃣ For a hint of smokiness, finish with a splash of sesame oil.

This delicious, customizable sauce pairs perfectly with tofu, mixed vegetables, chips, or any dish that calls for a sweet and tangy kick!

Variation 

2. Sweet, sour passion fruit sauce

1 tablespoon rice flour
2 tablespoon rice syrup (or dark brown sugar)
2 tablespoon Soy sauce
2 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
1 cup of water
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoon passion fruit juice
1 teaspoon ginger juice.

3. Sweet, sour tomato sauce

1 tablespoon rice flour
2 tablespoon rice syrup (or dark brown sugar)
2 tablespoon Soy sauce
2 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
1 cup of water
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoon tomato puree
1 teaspoon ginger juice.

4. Sweet, sour pineapple sauce

1 tablespoon rice flour
2 tablespoon rice syrup (or dark brown sugar)
2 tablespoon Soy sauce
2 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
1 cup of water
1 teaspoon black pepper
4 tablespoon pineapple puree
1 teaspoon ginger juice.

You first puree the pineapple, then cook in sesame oil, cinnamon, and clove. Then add to the sauce while it's cooking.

Mix all ingredients well and place the saucepan over medium heat.
Break up all tiny balls of flour as they will harden up and get lumpy in the sauce.
Bring the sauce to a boil. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, remove and let it cool off.
If it gets too thick, add a little water and stir until smooth again.
Add a splash of sesame oil to give a smokiness flavor to the sauce.
Use it as desired over veggies or any item you fancy for a sweet & sour sauce with chips, tofu, mixed vegetables, etc.