Sweet and Sour Sauce

Sweet and sour sauce is a glossy, vibrant condiment known for its balanced flavor profile of tangy acidity and sugary sweetness. It typically combines ingredients like vinegar, sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and pineapple juice, and is a staple in Chinese-American and other Asian cuisines. It is most commonly used as a dipping sauce or glaze for dishes like sweet and sour chicken or pork.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This sauce is high in carbohydrates and sugar, with virtually no fat or protein. A standard serving of about 2 tablespoons contains roughly 50-80 calories, providing quick energy but minimal essential nutrients.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	60 kcal
Protein	0.2 g
Carbs	15 g
Fat	0.1 g
Fiber	0.1 g
Sugar	13 g
Sodium	250 mg
Sodium	250 mg
Potassium	30 mg
Vitamin C	1 mg
Iron	0.2 mg
Calcium	5 mg
Magnesium	3 mg
Phosphorus	5 mg
Manganese	0.1 mg

Per 1/4 cup (60 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, sweet and sour sauce is a prime example of culinary fusion, having been adapted and popularized in Western countries to suit local palates. Its unique appeal lies in the precise balance of opposing flavors, which stimulates multiple taste receptors simultaneously for a satisfying sensory experience.