Sweet & Sour Sauce

Name: Sweet & Sour Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 1 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon rice flour; 2 tablespoon rice syrup (or dark brown sugar); 2 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 cup water; 4 tablespoon fresh plums (pitted and chopped); 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for cooking plums); 1 teaspoon blended red chili

By Dada Shivananda·Beginner

Sweet and sour flavors never go out of style, especially in Asian-inspired dishes and stir-fries. This versatile sauce foundation begins with a simple base of rice flour, rice syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and water—a canvas for countless flavor variations that achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and tang.

For a fresh-tasting sauce, we incorporate whole fruits and vegetables. Simply puree until smooth, add to the sauce base, and cook until thickened. Excellent 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 that pairs beautifully with the tangy base. You can 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 nutritional benefits:

Plums – High in fiber, they aid digestion and contain flavonoids that help fight free radicals. Their vitamin C content also supports immune health.

Pineapple – A natural source of bromelain, which promotes digestion and reduces inflammation throughout the body.

Citrus Fruits (Tangerines, Oranges, Lemons) – Packed with vitamin C, they strengthen immunity and boost overall vitality.

This delicious, customizable sauce pairs perfectly with tofu, mixed vegetables, or any dish that calls for a sweet and tangy finish. The beauty lies in its adaptability—each variation brings its own character while maintaining the fundamental harmony of sweet and sour that delights the palate.