4 Ingredient Sweet and Sour Sauce

Crafted from just ketchup, oyster sauce, vinegar, and honey, this sweet and sour sauce can level up your meals. Its unique blend of sweet and tangy flavors makes it an ideal complement for stir-fries, dipping sauces, and beyond. Enjoy it alongside various dishes to add that special touch (serving suggestions included!)

I’m all for quick fixes in the kitchen, especially when it means ditching those store-bought sauces. You never really know what’s in them, right? And tweaking the taste? Forget about it.

So, here’s the deal: I’ve got this four-ingredient sweet and sour sauce that’s ridiculously easy to throw together. Seriously, a few minutes and you’re golden.

Chances are, you’ve already got everything you need in your pantry. It’s just that simple.

Mixing these few ingredients together? Magic. You get this tasty, balanced sauce that’s good for pretty much anything. Stir-fry, dipping, you name it.

Let’s dive into making this sauce. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

🥰 Why You Will Love This Recipe?

It’s like a Swiss Army knife for the kitchen. Stir-fries, dips, marinades—you name it, it works.

Also, yo’ll love this recipe because it’s super simple. You need just four ingredients, and it comes together in minutes. It’s my go-to when I’m pressed for time but still want something tasty for my meals.

And ingredients-wise, we’re talking about stuff you probably already have. Don’t have something? No biggie, just swap it out. It’s that flexible.

🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes

• Honey. For the honey, if you’re out or just not a fan, any syrup works as a sweet swap. Might need to play with the amount a bit. Or, mix some sugar with water as a quick fix.
• Vinegar. I went with red wine vinegar, but honestly, any vinegar you’ve got will do the trick. Rice vinegar? Chef’s kiss.
• Oyster Sauce. In case if you don’t have oyster sauce you can swap it with teriyaki or soy sauce can step in. Just watch the salt, or you’ll end up with a salt lick instead of a sauce.
• Ketchup.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-step Directions

Grab a small saucepan and start with the honey, pouring it right in.

Next up, squirt in the ketchup.

Then, it’s time for the oyster sauce. Just add that into the mix.

Finish off with the vinegar, and turn the heat down low.

Here, you might want to add a bit of water to get the consistency you like. Keep stirring until it begins to boil. Once it does, kill the heat and let it cool off.

And there you have it. Once it’s cooled down, it’s ready to be served with whatever you’re craving.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

I love using this sauce as a dip for pretty much anything crunchy, like chicken nuggets, shrimp, or spring rolls.

It’s also killer as a marinade for chicken, pork, or shrimp. Just let the meat soak in it for a few hours before you grill or bake it.

And for stir-fries? It’s the perfect finishing touch. Doesn’t matter if it’s veggies, chicken, beef, or tofu, it just works.

I’ve even mixed it with a bit of olive oil and used it as a salad dressing. Gives a nice kick to a mixed greens salad.

Oh, and it’s great on sandwiches or burgers, especially with chicken or pork. Just spread it on, and you’re good to go.

😻 Other Sauce Recipes You May Enjoy

• 4 Ingredient Fresh Basil Pesto
• Homemade Greek Tzatziki Sauce
• Easy Homemade Bistro Sauce
• Easy Garlic Soy Sauce
• 4 Ingredient Homemade BBQ Sauce

🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?

Tweak the sweet and sour levels to hit your sweet spot. Play around with the honey and vinegar amounts to dial it in just right. Start with what I suggest and then go from there, adding more if you need to.

And a heads up—don’t let this sauce out of your sight while it’s on the stove. It has a sneaky habit of burning if you’re not careful. Medium heat and constant stirring are your best bets to avoid a charred mess.

Answering Your Questions:

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