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.

4.15 from 7 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.

What sauce can you have on low carb diet? ›

All of these are low in carbs and conducive to staying in ketosis.
  • Mayonnaise. Didn't expect this to be on the list, did you? ...
  • Mustard. Mustard is a staple condiment that you should have in your diet arsenal. ...
  • Hot Sauce. ...
  • Soy Sauce or Tamari. ...
  • Olive Oil. ...
  • Salsa. ...
  • Pesto. ...
  • Guacamole.
Feb 23, 2024

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.

What can I substitute for pineapple juice in sweet and sour sauce? ›

It's also easy to customize sweet & sour sauce if you don't want to make a special trip to the store! Replace the pineapple juice with a mixture of orange and lemon juice, and opt for tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

What can you use instead of sweet and sour mix? ›

Making your own is too easy… Just combine equal parts: 🍋Lemon Juice 🍋Lime Juice 🍋White Sugar 🍋Hot Water Then seal and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. It'll make your co*cktails 100x better!

What is a substitute for Chinese sweet vinegar? ›

The Best Simple Chinkiang Vinegar Substitutes
  • Rice or Wine Vinegar + Soy Sauce. Rice vinegar would be my first choice but if you don't have it white or red wine vinegar will work. ...
  • Rice or Wine Vinegar + Salt. The dominant flavour from Chinkiang is acidity. ...
  • Balsamic Vinegar + Soy Sauce. ...
  • Lemon or Lime Juice + Soy Sauce.

What sauces have 0 carbs? ›

For instance, condiments like vinegar, mustard, hot sauce, garlic, chicken broth, and mayonnaise made with olive oil have virtually no carbs.

What condiments should I avoid on keto? ›

High-Carb Sauces and Condiments

Many seasonings contain sugars and starches that can quickly add up and disrupt ketosis. Examples of condiments to avoid include ketchup, BBQ sauce, and sweet dressings.

What is the lowest carb Chinese sauce? ›

Low-Carb Sauce Substitutions

Some choices include black bean sauce, soy sauce, and garlic sauce. Avoid sauces that have added sugar or cornstarch.

What is the main ingredient in Mcdonald's sweet and sour sauce? ›

Ingredients: High Fructose Corn Syrup, Water, Apricot Puree Concentrate And/or Peach Puree Concentrate, Distilled Vinegar, Contains 2% Or Less: Soy Sauce (water, Soybeans, Wheat, Salt), Salt, Modified Food Starch, Sherry Wine Powder, Dextrose, Soybean Oil, Xanthan Gum, Spices, Sodium Benzoate (preservative), Natural ...

Do the Chinese eat sweet and sour sauce? ›

Sweet and sour is a generic term that encompasses many styles of sauce, cuisine, and cooking methods. It is commonly used in East Asia and Southeast Asia and has been used in England since the Middle Ages. Sweet and sour sauce remains popular in Asian and Western cuisines.

How to thicken sweet and sour sauce without cornstarch? ›

Use Flour and Water

Combine 2 tablespoons flour with every 1/4 cup cold water and whisk until smooth. Add the mixture to your sauce over medium heat, and continue to stir and cook until you've reached your desired consistency. Test with a spoon.

How do you 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. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

How long can sweet and sour sauce last in the refrigerator? ›

For the freshest tasting sauce, we recommend using the sauces within one month of opening.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh pineapple? ›

Try using canned pineapple in place of fresh fruit. Canned pineapple has been heated causing the bromelain to be less reactive. Also try heating pineapple in a sauce pan, and allowing it to cool, before adding it to your delicious recipes.

What can be used as a substitute for vinegar? ›

White vinegar substitute: If you need a different vinegar to substitute for white vinegar, use apple cider vinegar or malt vinegar. You could also swap in lemon or lime juice, depending on your recipe. When you're canning or pickling, there are no comparable substitutes.

How do you make sweet and sour sauce less acidic? ›

Tip: Sugar can also soften acidic flavors, as in a sweet-and-sour sauce. To see how, make an overly sour vinaigrette, then whisk in sugar a pinch at a time until the vinaigrette tastes less harsh but not sweet.

Which is more sour vinegar or lemon juice? ›

In terms of PH, vinegar is slightly more acidic than lemon juice.

What is a substitute for apple cider vinegar in sauce? ›

The Best Simple Apple Cider Vinegar Substitutes
  • Rice Wine Vinegar. Lacks the slightly sweeter, fruity flavour of apple cider vinegar. ...
  • Champagne Vinegar. The second closest match is champagne vinegar. ...
  • White Wine Vinegar. Another good substitute. ...
  • Sherry Vinegar. ...
  • Red Wine Vinegar. ...
  • Lemon / Lime Juice.

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