Sauces > Asian Sauces > Chinese Sauces

Dragon's Head Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Special Equipment Needed:
- Whisk
- Saucepan

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Whisk the ingredients together until the brown sugar is dissolved.
3. Heat the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth.
5. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and whisk until the sauce thickens.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 and 1/2 cups of sauce

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 60
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Sugar: 14g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pineapple juice: Orange juice or apple juice
- Rice vinegar: White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Brown sugar: White sugar or honey
- Ketchup: Tomato sauce or tomato paste
- Soy sauce: Tamari sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder or potato starch
- Garlic powder: Fresh minced garlic
- Ginger powder: Fresh grated ginger

Variations:
- Add chopped pineapple, bell peppers, or onions for a chunky sweet and sour sauce.
- Use honey instead of brown sugar for a healthier option.
- Add chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicy sweet and sour sauce.

Tips and Tricks:
- Whisk the sauce frequently to prevent lumps.
- Adjust the sweetness and sourness to your liking by adding more or less brown sugar and rice vinegar.
- Serve the sauce warm or cold.

Storage Instructions:
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the sauce in a small bowl or ramekin.
- Drizzle the sauce over stir-fried vegetables, chicken, or pork.

Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions or cilantro

Pairings:
- Stir-fried vegetables, chicken, pork, or shrimp

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Steamed rice or noodles

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more pineapple juice or water.
- If the sauce is too thin, mix more cornstarch and water and add it to the saucepan.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the sauce thoroughly and store it properly in the refrigerator.

Food History:
- Sweet and sour sauce originated in China and has become a popular condiment in Chinese cuisine.

Flavor Profiles:
- Sweet, sour, tangy, and savory

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a dipping sauce or as a sauce for stir-fried dishes.

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Taste: Tangy, Sweet, Sour, Spicy, Aromatic