Sweet and Sour Sauce

Steps

1. 1

   Add the oil, the ginger slice, and star anise to a small stainless steel or non-reactive saucepan over medium-low heat.

2. 2

   Cook until the ginger starts to caramelize, about 1 minute.

   Start 1-minute timer
3. 3

   Add the tomato paste, stirring constantly until the tomato paste starts to caramelize, about 2 minutes. Take care not to burn the aromatics and tomato paste, as this step is essential for a deep flavor.

   Start 2-minute timer
4. 4

   Stir in the sugar, water, white vinegar, and soy sauce.

5. 5

   Bring everything to a simmer and cook until the sugar is completely dissolved.

6. 6

   Add your optional fruit juice or syrup, if using.

7. 7

   Reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer and reduce until it just starts to coat a spoon, about 10 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld.

   Start 10-minute timer
8. 8

   Remove the star anise and ginger from the sauce.

9. 9

   If using for dipping, make a cornstarch slurry by combining 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water.

10. 10

    Gradually add the slurry to the simmering sauce until it reaches your ideal consistency; you may not need all of the slurry.