Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
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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.
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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.
- ¼ tsp xanthan gum * or 1/2 tsp unflavored gelatin.
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:
Low Carb Sweet and Sour Sauce
Equipment
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)
- ⅓ cup Sugar Free Ketchup (5.5 tbsp) * Make your own by following the link or use pre-made ketchup.
- ⅓ 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).
- 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.
Notes
Readers Made These Low Carb Recipes Next:
Nutrition
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.
I made this recipe tonight and I think it’s pretty good with the exception that I think it has a little too much apple cider vinegar in it. I used some gum as well as bloomed a couple of tsp of beef gelatin in a little water to add after removing from heat. I wish I had the pineapple to add. It was still a really simple and really tasty recipe! Well be adding to my keto and low carb kitchen staples. Thank you!