Homemade McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce Copycat
If you’re a big fan of McDonald’s orders, especially their signature sweet and sour sauce, you’re in for a treat!
This , from homemade nuggets to crispy egg rolls. Whether you’re recreating a fast-food classic at home or looking for a sweet component to pair with your favorite Chinese food, this copycat recipe hits all the right notes. Plus, no more leftover sauce dilemmas—make as much as you need and enjoy that nostalgic McDonald’s sweet flavor anytime!
Why I Love This Recipe
Here are several reasons why I love this homemade sweet and sour sauce recipe:
- Homemade Sauces are THE BEST: Making it from scratch means no preservatives or mystery ingredients—just pure flavor I know and love!
- Quick & Easy: With simple pantry staples and just a few minutes, I have a delicious sauce ready to go.
- Customizable: I can adjust the spice level or sweetness to suit my taste, making it perfect every time.
- Versatile: It’s great for more than just dipping—I use it with chicken nuggets, french fries, as a glaze, or even in stir-fries.
- No High Fructose Corn Syrup: Made with simple ingredients, this sauce is free from high fructose corn syrup and other artificial additives.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Apricot Preserves
- 2 tbsp Ketchup
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp White Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/4 tsp Ground Ginger
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp Water (optional, for thinning)
- Red Pepper Flakes (to taste, optional for a hint of heat)
Add ins and Substitutions
Add ins:
Extra Spice: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Ginger: Freshly grated ginger enhances the warmth and depth of the sauce.
Extra Sweetness: Add honey, a bit more brown sugar, a splash of pineapple juice, or a touch of maple syrup for a richer, sweeter flavor.
Hot Honey: Add a drizzle for a blend of sweetness and heat that enhances the sauce’s flavor complexity.
Substitutions:
Soy Sauce: Swap with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
Brown Sugar: Substitute with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for a natural sweetener.
White Vinegar: Use rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a milder, slightly sweeter taste.
Apricot Preserves: Substitute with peach preserves or pineapple preserves for a different fruity base. You can also use apricot jam or another jam per your preference.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine apricot preserves, ketchup, soy sauce, white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Simmer: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it begins to simmer (about 3-5 minutes).
- Adjust Consistency:
- To Thicken: Dissolve 1 tbsp of cornstarch in 2 tbsp of water. Gradually add it to the sauce, stirring constantly, until the desired thickness is reached.
- To Thin: Add a little water (1-2 tbsp) if you prefer a thinner consistency, adjusting to your taste.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and add more red pepper flakes if you’d like it spicier.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from heat, let the sauce cool, and serve with nuggets, fries, or any snack!
Storage Suggestions
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy your homemade sweet and sour sauce!
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Homemade McDonald's Sweet and Sour Sauce Copycat
Equipment
- small sauce pan
- Whisk
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Apricot Preserves
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Mix Ingredients:
- In a small saucepan, combine apricot preserves, ketchup, soy sauce, white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Simmer:
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it begins to simmer (about 3-5 minutes).
Adjust Consistency:
- To Thicken: Dissolve 1 tbsp of cornstarch in 2 tbsp of water. Gradually add it to the sauce, stirring constantly, until the desired thickness is reached.To Thin: Add a little water (1-2 tbsp) if you prefer a thinner consistency, adjusting to your taste.
Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the sauce and add more red pepper flakes if you’d like it spicier.
Cool and Serve:
- Remove from heat, let the sauce cool, and serve with nuggets, fries, or any snack!
Nutrition
Hi, I'm Sarah Harper. I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves to cook, eat, and talk about food! Here at The Addy Bean, you'll discover an array of flexitarian recipes. My mission is to inspire and encourage others to eat and explore the world of plant-based foods!
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