Better than the Bottle: DIY Sweet and Sour Sauce
By: Leah Rodrigues
Published: July 11, 2016

Condiments are so fun to make at home.  While it may seem easier to just buy the bottle of ketchup, sweet chile sauce, mayonnaise etc..a lot of times they are filled with artificial flavors and preservatives.  Plus, I like to challenge myself to recreate everyday foods in my kitchen.  Sweet and sour sauce is a favorite in my house because the kids and adults love it.  I like to toss it with roasted cauliflower, tempura chicken, or even use it as a dip for fried wontons as an easy appetizer.  This simple Chinese inspired sauce is a recipe you have to try.
Sweet and Sour Sauce
Ingredients:
	2 tsp flavorless oil
	2 tsp minced fresh ginger
	1 tsp minced fresh garlic
	1/4 cup lightly packed light brown sugar or palm sugar 
	1/4 teaspoon salt
	1 tsp red pepper flakes
	1 tablespoon ketchup 
	1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce 
	3 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
	1/4 cup water 
	1/4 cup pineapple juice
	2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
Directions:
Step 1: Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium high heat.  Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sugar, salt, red pepper flakes, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, water and pineapple juice and stir to combine.  Cook the sauce until the sugar has dissolved and mixture is boiling.  Add the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking until sauce has thickened, about 30 seconds to a minute. Set aside and let cool slightly.  Transfer to a bowl for dipping or toss with other foods (like chicken or vegetables) to season.