18 Delicious Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipes for Every Occasion

Dive into the delightful world of sweet and sour sauces with our roundup of 18 mouthwatering recipes that promise to elevate any meal from good to unforgettable! Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner, hosting a festive gathering, or simply craving some comfort food, there’s a perfect sauce here for every occasion. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover your new favorite today!

Classic Sweet and Sour Sauce

Whipping up a batch of Classic Sweet and Sour Sauce at home is easier than you think, and it beats the store-bought version by a mile!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/3 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons soy sauce. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. In a separate bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1/2 cup water until smooth. Pour into the saucepan, stirring continuously.
3. Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

This sauce strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet, with a velvety texture that clings beautifully to your favorite dishes.

Tip: For a smoother sauce, strain it through a fine mesh sieve after cooking to remove any undissolved spices.

Pineapple Sweet and Sour Sauce

Bring a tropical twist to your meals with this homemade Pineapple Sweet and Sour Sauce, perfect for glazing, dipping, or drizzling over your favorite dishes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually stir this slurry into the saucepan.
4. Continue to cook the sauce for another 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat.

The magic of this sauce lies in its perfect balance of sweetness from the pineapple and tanginess from the vinegar, creating a versatile condiment that elevates any dish it touches.

Tip: For a chunkier texture, add diced pineapple pieces during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Spicy Sweet and Sour Sauce

Looking for a sauce that packs a punch with the perfect balance of heat and sweetness? This Spicy Sweet and Sour Sauce is your go-to for elevating any dish from good to unforgettable.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, sriracha sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Stir until the brown sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the saucepan to thicken the sauce.
4. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.

The magic of this sauce lies in its versatility—drizzle it over fried rice, use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, or glaze your favorite protein for a meal that’s anything but ordinary.

Tip: For an extra kick, add an additional teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers.

Honey Sweet and Sour Sauce

This Honey Sweet and Sour Sauce is the perfect blend of tangy and sweet, making it a versatile condiment for everything from chicken wings to spring rolls.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the saucepan.
4. Continue to cook the sauce on low heat for another 3-5 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.

The magic of this sauce lies in its perfect balance of sweetness from the honey and tanginess from the vinegar, thickened to a glossy finish that clings beautifully to your favorite dishes.

Tip: For a smoother sauce, strain it through a fine mesh sieve after cooking to remove any undissolved spices.

Orange Sweet and Sour Sauce

Brighten up your meals with this vibrant Orange Sweet and Sour Sauce, a perfect blend of tangy and sweet that’s sure to elevate any dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually stir into the saucepan.
3. Add orange zest and garlic powder to the sauce. Continue to simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

This sauce stands out with its fresh orange zest, adding a bright, citrusy note that complements the deep sweetness of brown sugar.

Tip: For a smoother sauce, strain it through a fine mesh sieve before serving to remove the orange zest.

Ginger Sweet and Sour Sauce

This Ginger Sweet and Sour Sauce is the perfect blend of tangy and sweet, with a spicy kick from fresh ginger that elevates any dish it touches.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, fresh ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to blend.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the sauce to thicken it.
4. Continue to cook the sauce on low heat for another 2-3 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.

The fresh ginger in this sauce not only adds a warm, spicy note but also creates a beautifully glossy finish that clings perfectly to your favorite proteins or veggies.

Tip: For an extra smooth sauce, strain it through a fine mesh sieve after cooking to remove the ginger and garlic pieces.

Garlic Sweet and Sour Sauce

This Garlic Sweet and Sour Sauce is a game-changer for your weeknight dinners, blending the perfect balance of tangy and sweet with a punch of garlic.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger powder. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. In a small bowl, mix the water and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

The magic of this sauce lies in its versatility—it clings beautifully to proteins and veggies, making every bite a flavorful experience.

Tip: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger.

Chili Sweet and Sour Sauce

This Chili Sweet and Sour Sauce is the perfect blend of tangy and spicy, adding a vibrant kick to any dish it graces. It’s surprisingly simple to whip up with pantry staples!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to blend.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the sauce to thicken it.
4. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Remove from heat.

The magic of this sauce lies in its balance—spicy from the chili garlic sauce and red pepper flakes, yet sweet and tangy from the vinegar and brown sugar. It’s a versatile condiment that elevates everything from wings to stir-fries.

Tip: For a smoother sauce, blend it after cooking and strain through a fine mesh sieve.

Maple Sweet and Sour Sauce

This Maple Sweet and Sour Sauce is a delightful twist on the classic, combining the deep richness of maple syrup with the bright tang of vinegar for a perfectly balanced condiment.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the saucepan.
4. Continue to cook the sauce on low heat for another 3-5 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.

The magic of this sauce lies in its versatility—equally at home drizzled over roasted vegetables as it is glazed on grilled chicken, the maple adds a subtle depth that elevates every dish.

Tip: For a smoother sauce, strain it through a fine mesh sieve after cooking to remove any undissolved spices.

Apple Cider Vinegar Sweet and Sour Sauce

This Apple Cider Vinegar Sweet and Sour Sauce is the perfect blend of tangy and sweet, ready to elevate your dishes in just minutes.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup water, granulated sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the saucepan.
4. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

The magic of this sauce lies in its versatility—drizzle it over fried rice, use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, or glaze your favorite protein for an instant flavor upgrade.

Tip: For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings.

Balsamic Sweet and Sour Sauce

Transform your dishes with this Balsamic Sweet and Sour Sauce, a perfect blend of tangy and sweet that elevates everything from grilled chicken to roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and let it cook for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

This sauce’s magic lies in its versatility and depth of flavor, with the balsamic vinegar offering a rich acidity that balances the honey’s sweetness beautifully.

Tip: For a smoother sauce, strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove the garlic bits and red pepper flakes after cooking.

Tomato-Based Sweet and Sour Sauce

This Tomato-Based Sweet and Sour Sauce is a vibrant, tangy delight that will elevate any dish it graces, from crispy tofu to succulent chicken wings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the saucepan.
4. Continue to simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

The magic of this sauce lies in its perfect balance of sweetness and tang, with a subtle kick from the red pepper flakes that keeps you coming back for more.

Tip: For a smoother sauce, blend it briefly with an immersion blender after cooking.

Peach Sweet and Sour Sauce

This Peach Sweet and Sour Sauce is a delightful twist on the classic, blending the natural sweetness of peaches with a tangy kick that’s perfect for glazing, dipping, or dressing.

Ingredients

• 1 cup peach preserves
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup peach preserves, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp minced garlic, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes.
2. Stir in 1/4 cup water and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
4. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes before using. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

The magic of this sauce lies in its balance—peach preserves offer a fruity depth, while the vinegar and soy sauce bring a bright, savory contrast that elevates any dish it touches.

Tip: For a smoother sauce, blend it after cooling, then strain through a fine mesh sieve.

Mango Sweet and Sour Sauce

This Mango Sweet and Sour Sauce is a vibrant twist on the classic, blending the tropical sweetness of mango with the tangy punch of vinegar for a perfectly balanced condiment.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ripe mango, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp ginger powder
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced mango, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mango is soft and the flavors have melded.
3. Using an immersion blender or transferring to a blender, puree the sauce until smooth. Return to the saucepan if necessary.
4. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another 2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

The magic of this sauce lies in its versatility—drizzle it over grilled chicken for a summer BBQ or use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls to add a fruity kick.

Tip: For a smoother sauce, strain it through a fine mesh sieve after blending to remove any fibrous mango bits.

Plum Sweet and Sour Sauce

This Plum Sweet and Sour Sauce is a delightful twist on the classic, offering a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and tangy zest that will elevate any dish it accompanies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup plum jam
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup plum jam, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
2. Add 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the saucepan. Stir to incorporate all the ingredients.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

The magic of this sauce lies in its versatility; it’s as perfect for glazing grilled chicken as it is for dipping spring rolls, thanks to its rich plum base and vibrant spice notes.

Tip: For a smoother sauce, blend it briefly with an immersion blender after cooling.

Apricot Sweet and Sour Sauce

Whip up this irresistibly tangy and sweet Apricot Sweet and Sour Sauce that’s perfect for glazing, dipping, or dressing up your favorite dishes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup apricot preserves
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup apricot preserves, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the sauce begins to thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

This sauce strikes a delightful balance between sweet and sour, with a hint of spice that makes it a standout glaze for grilled chicken or a vibrant dip for spring rolls.

Tip: For a smoother sauce, blend it briefly with an immersion blender after cooling.

Raspberry Sweet and Sour Sauce

This Raspberry Sweet and Sour Sauce is a vibrant twist on the classic, blending the tartness of raspberries with the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. It’s a versatile condiment that’ll elevate everything from chicken wings to spring rolls.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup fresh raspberries, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and 2 tbsp soy sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water until smooth. Stir into the raspberry mixture to thicken.
3. Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using, and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. For a smoother sauce, press through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.

The magic of this sauce lies in its bold, fruity flavor with just a hint of heat, making it a standout addition to your condiment collection.

Tip: This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights.

Blueberry Sweet and Sour Sauce

This Blueberry Sweet and Sour Sauce is a delightful twist on the classic, offering a fruity depth that pairs perfectly with everything from chicken to spring rolls.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the blueberries, apple cider vinegar, honey, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the saucepan.
3. Add the garlic powder and ginger powder to the saucepan. Continue to simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

The natural sweetness of blueberries balances the tangy vinegar and savory soy sauce, creating a complex flavor profile that’s unexpectedly versatile.

Tip: For a smoother sauce, blend it after cooling, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove any blueberry skins.

Conclusion

We hope this roundup of 18 sweet and sour sauce recipes inspires your next kitchen adventure! Whether you’re dressing up weeknight dinners or planning a special feast, there’s a recipe here for every occasion. Don’t forget to share your favorites in the comments and pin the ones you love to your Pinterest boards. Happy cooking!