Traditional Sweet and Tangy Sauce

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 6 min
🍽 Serves: 8

Imagine a sauce that balances sweetness with a hint of tanginess, perfect for elevating your dishes to a new level. This Traditional Sweet and Tangy Sauce is a versatile condiment that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen, whether you’re marinating, glazing, or simply drizzling over your favorite meals.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
  • Simple ingredients you probably already have.
  • Quick and easy to make in under 15 minutes.
  • Versatile enough to pair with a variety of dishes.

Ingredients

1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and adding the apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir over medium heat to dissolve the sugar completely. Keep stirring as you go; this is key to ensuring a smooth sauce.

While that's heating, make a quick slurry by mixing the cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Once your sugar is dissolved, slowly pour the slurry into the saucepan, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. This step is crucial for a smooth texture.

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes. You’ll notice it starting to thicken up nicely. Once it reaches your desired consistency, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. This cooling time helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a smoother sauce, whisk the mixture instead of stirring with a spoon.
  • If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out to your liking.
  • To intensify the flavor, let the sauce sit overnight in the fridge before using.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce is incredibly versatile. Try it as a glaze for grilled chicken or pork chops. It also works wonders as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or fried tofu. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, or use it to add a burst of flavor to a stir-fry. The possibilities are nearly endless!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?
Yes, but keep in mind it will alter the flavor slightly, making it sharper.
How long will this sauce keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it should last about two weeks.
Is there a way to make this sauce spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it some heat.

Ingredients Explained

The foundation of this sauce is apple cider vinegar, which brings that unmistakable tangy kick. To balance it out, we add granulated sugar for sweetness. The ketchup introduces a hint of tomato flavor while thickening the sauce slightly. A dash of soy sauce adds a savory umami depth that rounds out the sweetness. For a touch of warmth, garlic powder and ground ginger are incorporated, giving the sauce a subtle, aromatic spice. Finally, a pinch of salt and black pepper enhances all the other flavors. To achieve the perfect consistency, a cornstarch slurry is used, thickening the sauce to just the right texture.

Simplified Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved.
3. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
4. Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until thickened.
6. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature before serving or storing.

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