Homemade Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 L water
• 0.5 pineapple (cut into large pieces)
• 1 raíz ginger (whole root)
• 1 cup sugar
• 100 g tomato sauce (ketchup-style)
• 1 gota red food coloring (for the characteristic intense color)
• 100 ml vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (diluted in half a cup of water)

Steps

1. 1

   Pour the liter of water into a large pot.

2. 2

   Add the whole ginger root and the half pineapple cut into large chunks to the water.

3. 3

   Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer so the water infuses with the natural flavors.

4. 4

   Stir in the cup of sugar and let the mixture continue to boil.

5. 5

   Add the 100 grams of tomato sauce (ketchup) and mix well.

6. 6

   Add a drop of red food coloring to achieve that bright, characteristic restaurant-style hue.

7. 7

   Pour in the 100 ml of vinegar when the mixture returns to a boil and incorporate completely.

8. 8

   To add consistency, stir in the tablespoon of cornstarch previously diluted in half a cup of cold water.

9. 9

   Cook over low heat while stirring until the sauce thickens, gains body, and becomes glossy.

Notes

This sauce is ideal for accompanying fried rice, sweet and sour chicken, or any protein of your choice. The use of fresh pineapple and ginger makes a significant difference in the flavor profile compared to commercial sauces.

Nutrition per serving

• sauce
• chinese food
• sweet and sour
• condiment
• vegetarian
• dairy-free