Are you tired of the same old flavors in your dishes? Look no further! Sweet and sour sauce is a classic combination that adds a tangy twist to any meal. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory or sweet, this versatile sauce has got you covered. In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 mouth-watering sweet and sour sauce recipes perfect for any dish.
From classic Chinese-inspired dishes like Sweet and Sour Chicken and Vegetable Sweet and Sour Stir-Fry, to innovative twists like Sweet and Sour Pineapple Shrimp Skewers and Sweet and Sour Cauliflower Bites, there’s something for everyone. And the best part? These recipes are incredibly easy to make and require minimal ingredients.
In this article, we’ll be diving into the world of sweet and sour sauces, exploring different ways to use this flavorful condiment in your cooking. From meaty main courses like Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple and Sweet and Sour Glazed Salmon, to vegetarian and vegan options like Sweet and Sour Tofu Bowl and Sweet and Sour Quinoa Stir-Fry, we’ve got you covered.
So grab a spoon and get ready to taste the sweet and sour difference! In our next section, we’ll be highlighting 5 must-try sweet and sour sauce recipes that are sure to become new favorites. Stay tuned!
Classic Sweet and Sour Chicken
This beloved Chinese-inspired dish is a staple of American-Chinese cuisine, featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a tangy sweet and sour sauce. Serve it with steamed vegetables or rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh pineapple wedges and green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Dip chicken pieces in flour, shaking off excess.
2. Dip floured chicken in beaten eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
3. Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry coated chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and 1 tbsp of water to make the sweet and sour sauce.
5. Add sauce to the wok or skillet with fried chicken and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, until sauce thickens slightly.
6. Serve hot, garnished with pineapple wedges and green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes
Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple
A classic Chinese-American dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the tanginess of a sweet and sour sauce, all wrapped up in crispy pork strips. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork loin or tenderloin, cut into thin strips
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the pork strips to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Remove the pork from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Add the pineapple chunks and cook until caramelized, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the marinated pork to the wok or skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Stir in the sweet and sour sauce and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Crispy Sweet and Sour Shrimp
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this addictive Crispy Sweet and Sour Shrimp dish!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dredge shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Dip floured shrimp in sweet and sour sauce, then roll in cornstarch to coat.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry coated shrimp in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 2-3 minutes per batch).
6. Remove fried shrimp from oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes, depending on the number of batches you fry.
Enjoy your Crispy Sweet and Sour Shrimp!
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
This classic Chinese-American dish combines the savory flavor of meatballs with the tangy sweetness of a sweet and sour sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser. With this simple recipe, you can impress your friends and family with a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sweet and sour sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot with sweet and sour sauce.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Vegetable Sweet and Sour Stir-Fry
This sweet and sour stir-fry recipe is a classic Chinese-inspired dish that combines the natural sweetness of vegetables with the tanginess of a savory sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas)
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sweet and sour sauce
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, and sugar.
5. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sweet and Sour Tofu Bowl
Sweet and Sour Tofu Bowl Recipe
Summary:
This sweet and sour tofu bowl recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines crispy pan-fried tofu with tangy sweet and sour sauce, served over fluffy brown rice and topped with crunchy vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
– Assorted vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and green onions)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or sliced almonds for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together cornstarch and salt.
2. Dredge tofu pieces in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Pan-fry tofu in oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. In a separate pan, heat sweet and sour sauce over medium heat.
5. Combine cooked rice, tofu, and vegetables in a bowl.
6. Drizzle the warm sweet and sour sauce over the top.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or sliced almonds if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet and Sour Glazed Salmon
A sweet and tangy glaze elevates this simple salmon dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp vinegar
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the sweet and sour glaze evenly over both sides of the fish.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Sweet and Sour Ribs
Satisfy your cravings with this sweet and tangy twist on traditional ribs. A perfect combination of fall-off-the-bone tender meat and a sticky, flavorful glaze will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon ketchup
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Remove membrane from back of ribs and place on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the sweet and sour glaze all over the ribs, making sure to coat evenly.
5. Bake for 2 hours or until tender and caramelized.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Sweet and Sour Cauliflower Bites
Sweet and Sour Cauliflower Bites Recipe
Experience the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors in these bite-sized cauliflower morsels, perfect for snacking or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip each cauliflower floret into the beaten egg and then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle with lemon juice and sweet and sour sauce.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Fried Rice
This classic Chinese-inspired dish is a flavorful and filling meal that combines the comfort of fried rice with the tanginess of sweet and sour flavors. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sweet and sour sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Push the vegetables aside, add the garlic, and stir-fry for 1 minute.
4. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
5. Stir-fry the rice with the vegetables and garlic for about 2-3 minutes, until combined.
6. Add the soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, salt, and pepper; stir-fry for an additional minute.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sweet and Sour Eggplant
Add a tangy twist to your eggplant dish with this sweet and sour recipe! This flavorful side dish is perfect for accompanying grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a main course.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized eggplants, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons white vinegar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic until well combined.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add eggplant slices in batches and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until tender and lightly browned.
4. Remove eggplant from the skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
6. Pour the sweet and sour sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
7. Add cornstarch mixture and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until thickened.
8. Return eggplant to the skillet and toss to coat with the sweet and sour sauce.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet
This classic Chinese-inspired dish combines the tender flavors of fish with a tangy sweet and sour sauce, perfect for a quick and easy dinner. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful meal that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (cod or tilapia work well)
– 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (green, red, yellow)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season fish fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Add bell peppers and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until tender.
5. Add sweet and sour sauce to the skillet, stirring to combine with vegetables.
6. Place fish fillets in the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over each piece.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings
Elevate your snack game with these crispy and flavorful chicken wings smothered in a tangy sweet and sour sauce. Perfect for game days, parties, or just a fun twist on traditional buffalo wings.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken wings to the bowl and toss until coated with the mixture.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with vegetable oil.
5. Bake wings for 30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. In a separate saucepan, heat sweet and sour sauce over medium heat.
7. Remove wings from oven and toss in sweet and sour sauce until fully coated.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Sweet and Sour Tempeh
This recipe is a twist on the classic sweet and sour flavors, adding a nutty and earthy tone from the tempeh. A great option for vegans and vegetarians looking for a protein-packed snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup tempeh
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Cut the tempeh into small cubes and place in a shallow dish.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Pour the sweet and sour mixture over the tempeh, making sure it’s fully coated.
4. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
5. Preheat a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
6. Remove the tempeh from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
7. Cook the tempeh for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until caramelized and crispy.
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes
Sweet and Sour Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
A tropical twist on traditional shrimp skewers, this recipe combines succulent shrimp with sweet pineapple and tangy sauce for a flavorful and visually appealing appetizer or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread shrimp, pineapple, and brown sugar mixture onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Brush the sweet and sour glaze evenly over the shrimp and pineapple.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad
This refreshing salad is perfect for hot summer days when you need a cool and tangy treat. With the sweetness of sugar and vinegar balanced by the crunch of cucumbers, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 large cucumbers, sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Remove the syrup from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
3. In a large bowl, combine cucumber slices and cooled syrup. Toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle black pepper to taste and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including cooling time)
Sweet and Sour Stuffed Bell Peppers
A flavorful twist on a classic recipe, these sweet and sour stuffed bell peppers are perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The combination of tender bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of rice, ground beef, and tangy sweet and sour sauce is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
4. Add chopped onion, garlic, cooked rice, and sweet and sour sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture, filling to the top.
6. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Sweet and Sour Quinoa Stir-Fry
Sweet and Sour Quinoa Stir-Fry Recipe
Summary: This recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the sweetness of pineapple and the tanginess of vinegar, all wrapped up in a quick and easy stir-fry. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
– 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon vinegar
– 1 teaspoon honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. Heat olive oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add pineapple, soy sauce, vinegar, and honey. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Fold cooked quinoa into the stir-fry mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Indulge your taste buds with these 18 mouth-watering sweet and sour sauce recipes, perfect for any dish! From classic sweet and sour chicken to sweet and sour pork with pineapple, crispy sweet and sour shrimp, and many more, this collection has something for everyone. Whether you’re a meat-lover or a vegetarian, there’s a recipe here that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, get cooking, and discover the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors!
