Simple Sweet and Sour Sauce
To turn this into a dipping sauce, simply bring the ingredients to boil in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Use the dipping sauce immediately or store in a sealed container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
INGREDIENTS | YIELDS 1 cup
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- ¾ cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Combine the sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and water in a medium bowl. Whisk in the cornstarch.
Use as called for in the stir-fry recipe. Stir the sauce before adding to the stir-fry to bring up any cornstarch that has settled on the bottom.
If not using immediately, store the sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator. (Use the sauce within 3 to 4 days.)
Sweet and Sour Sauce Substitutions
Adapt this basic recipe for Simple Sweet and Sour Sauce by using different combinations of flavorings. For example, try replacing the vinegar with rice vinegar or cider vinegar, or using brown or palm sugar instead of granulated white sugar. It's best to stick with ketchup though, as the seasonings from this popular condiment — including vinegar, sugar, allspice, and cinnamon — lend extra flavor to the sauce.
