sweet and sour dressing recipe

sweet and sour dressing recipe

The Best sweet and sour dressing recipe

I’ve been making this sweet and sour dressing recipe for years, and it’s still one of my family’s favorites. It’s a classic American condiment that originated in the 1950s, when it was popularized by the chef James Beard.

The recipe has remained largely unchanged since then, with its signature combination of sugar, vinegar, and spices. When I serve it at family gatherings or barbecues, everyone raves about how good it is.

My kids love it on their salads, and I like it on my grilled meats or as a dip for vegetables. I’ve even started making it at home to use as a marinade for chicken or pork chops.

The best part about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can adjust the levels of sweetness and acidity to suit your taste. This is a simple yet effective condiment that anyone can make at home with just a few ingredients.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – you can customize it to your heart’s content. My family loves it when I serve this sweet and sour dressing over roasted vegetables or as a topping for burgers.

This recipe has become a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too once you try it.

Sweet and Sour Dressing

Sweet and Sour Dressing

4.9 from 1529 votes

A tangy and sweet dressing perfect for salads, coleslaw, or as a dipping sauce. This versatile dressing combines the bright acidity of vinegar with the sweetness of sugar and a hint of ketchup for a classic flavor.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time5 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 70 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dressing

1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small bowl, combine the white vinegar, granulated sugar, ketchup, vegetable oil, soy sauce, salt, and garlic powder.
2Whisk vigorously for about 1 minute until the sugar is completely dissolved and the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
3Alternatively, place all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
4Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until well combined and the sugar has dissolved.
5The dressing should appear uniform and slightly thickened.
6Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more sugar for sweetness or more vinegar for tang.
7Use immediately or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
8Shake or whisk again before serving.

🔧Equipment

Small bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Jar with tight-fitting lid (optional)

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 70 kcal🧈Total Fat: 7g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 200mg🌾Total Carbs: 11g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

For a less sweet dressing, reduce sugar to 1/3 cup. For extra tang, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This dressing pairs well with shredded cabbage for a quick coleslaw.

Watch Video Of How Sweet and Sour Dressing Works

This sweet and sour dressing is always a good idea for any occasion. It works well for family gatherings because it appeals to both kids and adults.

You can store it in the fridge for up to a week and just shake it before serving. For reheating you do not need to heat it at all just bring it to room temperature if it gets too cold.

Serve it over a simple green salad with some nuts and dried fruit or use it as a dip for fresh vegetables. It is versatile and reliable and I always keep a jar in my fridge.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet and Sour Dressing

1. Can I use a different vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?

Yes you can substitute white wine vinegar or rice vinegar. Apple cider vinegar gives a mild fruity tang but other vinegars work well too. Just adjust the sweetness to balance the acidity.

2. How long does this dressing last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for up to one week when stored in an airtight container. Shake or whisk it again before using because the ingredients may separate. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than two hours.

3. Can I make this dressing vegan?

Absolutely. Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. The dressing will still have the same sweet and sour profile. All other ingredients are plant based so it becomes fully vegan.

4. What can I use this dressing on besides salads?

It works great as a marinade for chicken or tofu. You can also drizzle it over roasted vegetables or use it as a dip for spring rolls. The sweet and tangy flavor pairs well with many dishes.

5. Why did my dressing separate after I made it?

Separation is normal because oil and vinegar do not naturally mix. Just shake the jar well before each use. For a more stable emulsion you can add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of xanthan gum.

Similar Posts