Get ready to transform your ordinary chicken dish into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece with this mind-blowing Sweet and Sour Sauce! Imagine a perfect balance of tangy vinegar, luscious pineapple juice, and just the right touch of sweetness that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. This Asian-inspired sauce is not just a condiment – it's a flavor explosion that will elevate your cooking from mundane to magnificent in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean countertop. This includes 1 cup of pineapple juice, 1/2 cup of vinegar, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1/4 cup of water, 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper, and 1/2 cup of diced onion.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. Stir the mixture well to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the 1/4 cup of water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce later. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the pineapple juice mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the mixture is simmering, gradually add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan while continuously stirring. This will help thicken the sauce. Continue to cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Add the diced bell pepper and onion to the thickened sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving. The sweet and sour sauce can be drizzled over cooked chicken or used as a dipping sauce.
- For best results, serve the sweet and sour sauce warm over your favorite chicken dish, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Tips
- Cornstarch Slurry Secret: Always mix cornstarch with cold water to prevent lumps. Whisk thoroughly for a smooth, silky sauce.
- Heat Management: Maintain a gentle simmer when adding the cornstarch mixture. Vigorous boiling can break down the thickening agents.
- Vegetable Crunch: Add bell peppers and onions towards the end to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant color.
- Customization Hack: Adjust sugar and vinegar to suit your personal taste preferences – make it more sweet or more tangy!
- Storage Tip: This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week. Pro tip: It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Versatility Bonus: Don't limit this sauce to chicken – it's amazing with shrimp, tofu, or as a dipping sauce for spring rolls!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
