Homemade McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce Copycat
Love McDonald’s sweet and sour sauce? Now you can recreate that signature flavor right in your own kitchen!
Whether you’re whipping up homemade nuggets, crispy egg rolls, or easy oven-baked fries, this copycat recipe is your go-to for recreating that nostalgic McDonald’s sweet flavor at home. Say goodbye to leftover sauce dilemmas, make just the right amount and enjoy the perfect sweet pairing for your favorite dishes 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.
- 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 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 For McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce Copycat Recipe
Sweet and Tangy Base
- Apricot preserves
- Ketchup
- White vinegar
- Brown sugar
Spices and Seasonings
- Soy Sauce
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Ground ginger
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
Optional Add-Ins
- Cornstarch (for thickening)
- Water (for thinning)
Add ins and Substitutions
Add-Ins for McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce Copycat Recipe
Take your sauce to the next level with these optional add-ins to suit your taste:
Extra Spice
- Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Add 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 for McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce Copycat Recipe
Looking to customize the recipe? Here are some easy swaps to suit your dietary needs or the ingredients you have on hand:
Gluten-Free Alternative
- Soy Sauce: Replace with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version without compromising on flavor.
Natural Sweetener Options
- Brown Sugar: Swap with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for a naturally sweet alternative.
Adjust the Tang
- White Vinegar: Use rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter, more mellow tang.
Fruity Twist
- Apricot Preserves: Substitute with peach or pineapple preserves for a fun flavor variation. Apricot jam or another favorite jam works too!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: Simmer
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it begins to simmer (about 3-5 minutes).
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Taste the sauce and add more red pepper flakes if you’d like it spicier.
Step 5: 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, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist passionate about cooking, eating, and sharing all things food! At The Addy Bean, you’ll find a variety of flexitarian recipes designed to inspire and empower you to explore the delicious world of plant-based eating. My mission is to make plant-forward meals approachable, enjoyable, and part of your everyday life!
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