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 sweet and sour sauce? ›

Alternative Sweet and Sour Sauce

1 cup pineapple juice. 1/3 cup water. 3 tablespoons vinegar. 1 tablespoon soy sauce.

What is 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.

Do I need to refrigerate sweet and sour sauce? ›

It's best to use it before its expiration date, and you should always inspect the jar to ensure the freshness seal is still intact. Once you open a jar of sweet and sour sauce, it should be stored in the refrigerator.

Does sweet and sour sauce contain soy? ›

Traditionally brewed Kikkoman® Soy Sauce, tomato paste, pineapple, onion, green bell pepper, garlic and spicy red pepper are blended together to give this sauce a truly Asian taste.

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.

Can you substitute white sugar for brown sugar in sweet and sour sauce? ›

When all else fails, you can replace brown sugar with an even measurement of granulated white sugar without fear of ruining your recipe. White sugar lacks the same rich flavor that brown sugar adds, but depending on the type of recipe, you may not notice much flavor change at all.

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 I thicken sweet and sour sauce? ›

If the sauce isn't thick enough, you can add one more tablespoon of cornstarch and whisk it in. But remember, the sauce will thicken even more as it cools down. So only add more cornstarch if the sauce is way too thin.

What can I use instead of pineapple juice in sweet and sour? ›

From personal experience of not having canned/fresh pineapples in the kitchen, I just used a bit of lemon juice and an orange cut into large chunks. Chinese plum sweet & sour mix is one of my favorites.

How long is homemade sweet and sour good for? ›

Store your leftover homemade sweet and sour sauce in a shallow, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

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.

How long does homemade sweet and sour sauce last? ›

Transfer sauce to a heatproof dish. If not using immediately, allow the sauce to cool to room temperature and then refrigerate, in an airtight container, until ready to use. Sweet and Sour Sauce will keep up to two weeks.

What can I use instead of soy sauce in sweet and sour sauce? ›

7 Soy Sauce Substitutes That Are As Good As the Real Thing
  • Tamari.
  • Coconut Aminos.
  • Fish Sauce.
  • Miso Paste.
  • Balsamic Vinegar.
  • Worcestershire Sauce.
  • Oyster Sauce.
Jun 6, 2023

Can celiacs have sweet and sour sauce? ›

The problem with buying it premise or eating it in restaurants is that, even when it's thickened with cornstarch, most cornstarch is contaminated with gluten during processing. But it's really easy to make it gluten free at home. Sweet and sour sauce is most often made with cornstarch, ketchup, vinegar and sugar.

What are the ingredients in Kroger sweet and sour sauce? ›

Water, Sugar, Distilled Vinegar, Modified Corn Starch, Dehydrated Red and Green Bell Peppers, Salt, Soybean Oil, Oleoresin Paprika (For Color), Natural and Artificial Flavor.

Is orange sauce similar to sweet and sour sauce? ›

While the sauces for sweet and sour chicken and orange chicken share some common ingredients like sugar and soy sauce, they have distinct flavor profiles that make them best suited for their respective dishes.

Is sweet and sour the same as lemon sour? ›

Sour mix (also known as sweet and sour mix) is a mixer that is yellow-green in color and is used in many co*cktails. It is made from approximately equal parts lemon and/or lime juice and simple syrup and shaken vigorously with ice.

Is sweet and sour sauce the same as chili sauce? ›

Both are incredibly simple to make. The only difference between sweet chilli sauce and sweet and sour sauce is that sweet chilli sauce is sweet, sour, and spicy. So only the spiciness goes missing when using sweet and sour sauce instead of sweet chilli sauce.

What is the flavor of sweet and sour sauce? ›

You will also have notes from whatever you flavour it with. The sweet and sour tastes can be made with a simple sugar and vinegar mix. Or you can use pineapple or citrus for the sour. You could put some soy sauce in which will affect the flavour.

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