Homemade Low Carb Sweet and Sour Sauce- 15 Minute Recipe (2024)

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Low Carb Sweet and Sour Sauce might sound like a contradiction in terms but it’s fantastic! Especially if you are missing takeout.

It doesn’t take long to make and you can turn up the heat as much as you want.

Homemade Low Carb Sweet and Sour Sauce- 15 Minute Recipe (1)

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Ok friends…here we go with another really short and sweet Keto friendly recipe. This won’t take long.

🥘 Ingredients:

Or you can choose another low carb brown sugar replacement.

You can absolutely use plain allulose but that molasses flavor layer will be missing.

  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ⅓ cup Sugar Free Ketchup

Make your own by following the link or use pre-made low carb ketchup. This one is good.

We don’t tend to use a lot of ketchup so we make our own when we plan on making sauces like the Sweet and Sour Sauce or BBQ Sauce.

  • ⅓ cup water
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce * or coconut aminos

Full disclosure, I have never used coconut amino’s int his sauce so I am not sure about the taste but if you are sensitive to gluten, this is the way to go.

  • 2 tsp sesame oil

Toasted Sesame oil is a MUST for this recipe. If you skip it the flavor will be lacking that distinct flavor you are looking for in a sweet and sour sauce.

If you use the xanthan gum, don’t use more than 1/4 tsp or your sauce will be slimy.

I prefer gelatin but if you have been low carb for any length of time, I know you have xanthan gum in your pantry. It’s also the choice ingredient for a vegetarian sauce.

Psyllium husk powder works too…just make sure you whisk it constantly and only use 1/2 tsp at a time until you get the desired effect. If you don’t keep stirring you might end up with a clumpy sauce.

Optional

  • 1/2 tsp Pineapple Flavoring *Optional but authentic tasting

This extract gives off the pineapple flavoring without the carbs. It’s great in this low carb sauce.

If you like pineapple, check out these low carb Hawaiian Rolls. They’re amazing for making sliders and I don’t think they get the credit they deserve ( but, I am sort of biased since it’s my recipe lol).

  • 1/4 tsp red pepper * if you like a kick (Thai Style)

A little pinch will do it if you aren’t into super spicy foods. This ingredient gets spicier as it sits.

👩🏿‍🍳 How to make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

  • Combine all ingredients except sesame oil and pineapple flavoring (if using) into a sauce pan and whisk until combined.

Both the sesame oil and flavoring will lose their flavors if heated to simmering. Sesame oil is a finishing oil…don’t believe anyone who says otherwise.

Never add any finishing oil or extracts (except in baking), until the flame has been turned off.

  • Turn on heat to medium and bring to a simmer while whisking constantly to avoid clumps. Simmer until thick enough for your liking (1-3 minutes).
  • Turn off the heat and add sesame oil and pineapple flavoring. Whisk until combined and serve or chill in the fridge for 5-7 days.

Before you pour your sauce into the serving dish..taste it. Taste everything that you make before serving.

📋Tips & FAQ’s:

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes. In fact, letting it sit in the fridge before using it actually improves the flavor.

You can keep it in the fridge for up to seven days.

Can I freeze this sauce?

Yes and no. You can freeze this sauce but the texture will be different once it thaws again.

It was almost gummy and I wasn’t a fan.

If you do freeze it maybe it would be better if it were part of a recipe like Sweet and Sour Chicken. I’m pretty sure freezing a meal like that would be just fine.

But, this sweet and sour sauce so quick to make that this shouldn’t be an issue.

What is the Low Carb Sweet and Sour Sauce good with?

  • Chicken Wings
  • Coconut Chicken Tenders
  • Coconut Shrimp
  • on the California Roll Bowl
  • Eggroll in a bowl
  • Stir Frys
  • Barbecued Ribs
  • Tossed with Meatballs

I think that’s all for the Low Carb Sweet and Sour Sauce!

Can you believe how easy this is to make?

If you have any questions, awesome alternative flavors or just want to say hi, leave a comment below!

Cheers for now!

Brandy

More Low Carb Recipes to Love:

  • Keto Psyllium Flat Bread
  • Low Carb Cashew Chicken
  • Keto Mongolian Beef
  • Green Apple Crumble

Low Carb Sweet and Sour Sauce

Brandy

Keto friendly sweet and sour dipping sauce for wings, low carb lo mein or stir fry. Highly customizable so that you can make it to your tastes.

4.25 from 8 votes

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Homemade Low Carb Sweet and Sour Sauce- 15 Minute Recipe (3)Homemade Low Carb Sweet and Sour Sauce- 15 Minute Recipe (4)

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 13 minutes mins

Course Condiments

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 6 Servings

Calories 28 kcal

Equipment

Sauce Pan

Ingredients

  • ½ cup Golden Monk Fruit Sweetener (8 tbsp) * or your choice of low carb brown sugar replacements. See post.
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar (4 oz)
  • cup Sugar Free Ketchup (5.5 tbsp) * Make your own by following the link or use pre-made ketchup.
  • cup water (2.6 oz)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce * or coconut aminos
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • ¼ tsp xanthan gum * or 1/2 tsp unflavored gelatin. See post for more alternatives.

Optional

  • 1/2 tsp Pineapple Flavoring *Optional but authentic tasting
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper * if you like a kick (Thai Style)
  • 2-3 drops Red and Yellow food coloring * optional to make it look like takeout sauce.

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients except sesame oil and pineapple flavoring (if using) into a sauce pan and whisk until combined.

    Turn on heat to medium and bring to a simmer while whisking constantly to avoid clumps.Simmer until thick enough for your liking (1-3 minutes).

    Homemade Low Carb Sweet and Sour Sauce- 15 Minute Recipe (5)

  • Turn off the heat and add sesame oil and pineapple flavoring. Whisk until combined and serve or chill in the fridge for 5-7 days.

    Homemade Low Carb Sweet and Sour Sauce- 15 Minute Recipe (6)

Notes

This recipe makes about 6 servings of about a quarter cup each (4 tbsp).

Readers Made These Low Carb Recipes Next:

Nutrition

Serving: 1/4 cupCalories: 28kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSodium: 507mgFiber: 1gFat Ratio per Serving: 32.14%Protein Ratio per Serving: 14.29%

Keyword gluten free

Tried this recipe?Mention @ketocastleinthemountains or tag #ketocastleinthemountains!

The nutritional information for the low carb sweet and sour sauce recipe is provided as a courtesy.

We are pretty careful about our figures but if you ever feel like anything is off please feel free to do your own calculations.

Homemade Low Carb Sweet and Sour Sauce- 15 Minute Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a substitute for vinegar in sweet and sour sauce? ›

Lemon or lime juice are the two most common substitutes for white vinegar. You can also use rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or malt vinegar but the taste of your sauce might be a tad different. Soy Sauce – I used low sodium. Ketchup – I used store bought.

What is restaurant sweet and sour sauce made of? ›

While sweet and sour can be found in diverse forms in China, the American version builds upon the simple mixture of sugar, vinegar, and spices with the addition of fruit juice—most commonly pineapple—and ketchup, giving the sauce both its red hue and uniquely Western flavor.

Does sweet and sour sauce contain vinegar? ›

Gather all ingredients. Place sugar, water, vinegar, soy sauce, cornstarch, and ketchup in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir continuously until mixture has thickened.

Do you need to refrigerate sweet and sour sauce from Chinese restaurant? ›

Does sweet and sour sauce need to be refrigerated? Yes - you must refrigerate it after opening.

What can I use if I don't have sweet and sour mix? ›

What is a good substitute for sweet and sour mix?
  • Juices – lemonade, limeade, margarita mix, orange juice + pineapple juice with no simple syrup.
  • Sodas – lemon-lime soda + ginger ale and a splash of lemon or lime juice.

Is sweet and sour sauce full of sugar? ›

There are 13.4 grams of carbs in a 2-tablespoon serving of sweet and sour sauce, 7 grams of those carbs come from sugar. The carbohydrates found in sweet and sour sauce are simple carbs, and it has a glycemic index of 70. The carbs are likely coming from ingredients including tomato sauce, ketchup, and added sugar.

How do you thicken sweet and sour sauce without cornstarch? ›

1. All-purpose flour: You can thicken sauces with all-purpose wheat flour. For every tablespoon of cornstarch, use three tablespoons of flour. Combine raw flour with cold water in a small bowl to form a paste, then add it into the sauce as it's simmering.

Is Chick Fil A sauce sweet and sour? ›

8oz Polynesian Sauce

An 8-ounce, squeezable bottle of this sweet and sour sauce with a strong, tangy flavor.

How long is homemade sweet and sour sauce good for? ›

How long will homemade sweet and sour sauce keep in the fridge? This sweet and sour sauce recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you are storing the sauce straight after cooking, let it cool to room temperature first.

What is the actual Flavour of sweet and sour sauce? ›

Sweet and sour sauce features a balanced combination of sweet and tangy flavors, making it a versatile condiment that can be used in various ways to enhance the flavor of your dishes.

Is sweet and sour sauce made of ketchup? ›

How to Make Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1/3 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 cup white sugar until combined. In a separate cup, whisk 3/4 cup cold water (or pineapple juice) with 4 Tbsp cornstarch until well blended.

Does sweet and sour sauce have paprika? ›

ingredients. WATER, SUGAR, SOY SAUCE (WATER, SOYBEANS, WHEAT, SALT), VINEGAR, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, TOMATOES PINEAPPLE CONCENTRATE, ONION POWDER, DEHYDRATED GREEN BELL PEPPER, SODIUM BENZOATE; LESS THAN 1/10 OF 1%, EXTRACTIVES OF PAPRIKA, CITRIC ACID, GARLIC POWDER, DISODIUM INOSINATE, DISODIUM GUANYLATE, SPICE.

Can you use expired sweet and sour sauce? ›

If a sauce or marinade has expired but was never opened and is still sealed, is it safe to eat (2 months past expiration date)? Anything that was air-tight sealed in a bottle, jar, or can can be safely eaten for years after the expiration date.

Is it OK to reheat sweet and sour sauce? ›

Yes – make the sauce, cool, cover and freeze. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and heat until piping hot in a saucepan before serving. You can also reheat from frozen in a saucepan, or in the microwave, stirring a few times during reheating.

What is a substitute for vinegar in sauce? ›

There are other household acids than can substitute for vinegar in some cases, normally in cooking situations. Lemon juice and lime juice are both acidic. Some cooking applications are in hollandaise sauce (or béarnaise sauce), mock buttermilk, salad dressings, jams and jellies, and some baked goods.

How do you make vinegar taste without vinegar? ›

For 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, substitute 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, one tablespoon of lime juice, or 2 tablespoons of white wine. These substitutes won't give you the same health benefits, but they will come close to the intended flavor in recipes.

What can I add for substitution when I don t have enough vinegar? ›

Lemon juice is naturally tart and acidic—which means it's an ideal substitute for apple cider vinegar. Use it in dressings, sauces or any time you need a splash of acidity. Any citrus juice will add brightness to a dish, but orange juice is slightly sweeter than the other citrusy contenders.

What is a good acidic substitute for vinegar? ›

If your recipe calls for vinegar and you have none in the house, lemon or lime juice can be used in a pinch. They provide a strong citrus flavor, so make sure your recipe can handle it before using this substitution.

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