Copycat Panda Express Sweet and Sour Sauce

Making Panda Express Sweet and Sour Sauce at home is super fun! This sauce is sweet and tangy, making it perfect for dipping or pouring over your favorite foods. I figured out how to make it taste just like the restaurant version, and now you can too!

Ingredients

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Optional: A few drops of red food coloring for a bright color

How to make Panda Express Sweet and Sour Sauce

Step 1:

In a medium pot, mix together the pineapple juice, sugar, white vinegar, soy sauce, and ketchup. Stir it until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Step 2:

Put the pot on the stove over medium heat. Stir it occasionally until it starts to bubble a little.

Step 3:

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until it’s smooth and no lumps are left.

Step 4:

When the sauce is bubbling, slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture while stirring constantly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce gets thicker.

Step 5:

If you want, add a few drops of red food coloring to make the sauce look even better!

Tips From Julia!

• Adjust the Sweetness: You can change how sweet the sauce is by adding more or less sugar based on what you like.
• Serving Temperature: This sauce tastes great warm or cold, so serve it however you prefer.
• Make Extra: If you want, you can make a big batch and freeze some for later use!

What pairs with Panda Express Sweet and Sour Sauce

Sweet and Sour Sauce is super versatile and goes well with lots of foods:

1. Fried Chicken: Drizzle the sauce over Chili’s Chicken Crispers for a delicious treat. It makes the chicken even tastier!
2. Spring Rolls: Use the sauce as a dip for fresh or fried spring rolls. It adds a nice zing!
3. Stir-Fried Vegetables: Toss some cooked vegetables in the sauce for a burst of flavor. It’s a great way to make veggies more exciting.
4. Rice and Noodles: Pour the sauce over fried rice or noodles for a yummy meal. It brings everything together.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you can’t find something on the list, here are some alternatives:

• Pineapple Juice: You can use orange juice or a mix of apple and orange juice if you don’t have pineapple juice.
• White Vinegar: Substitute it with apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar for a different flavor.
• Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, try using tamari instead.
• Cornstarch: If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour, but it might change how the sauce looks and feels.

FAQ

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. It tastes great even after a few days!

What can I use if I don’t have pineapple juice?

If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can substitute it with orange juice or a mix of apple and orange juice for a similar sweet flavor.

Can I make this sauce spicy?

Yes! If you like spicy sauce, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to give it some heat.

How can I use this sauce besides dipping?

You can drizzle it over fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, or grilled meats to add a delicious sweet, and tangy flavor.

Can I freeze this sauce?

Yes! You can freeze the sauce in an airtight container. Just make sure to let it thaw in the fridge before using it.

Final Thoughts

This recipe lets you make Panda Express Sweet and Sour Sauce right in your kitchen! It’s easy and fun to prepare. Enjoy it with your favorite foods, and share it with family and friends. Have fun making and eating this tasty sauce!

Copycat Panda Express Sweet and Sour Sauce

Recipe by JuliaCourse: SidesCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

50

kcal

Total time

20

minutes

Make Copycat Panda Express Sweet and Sour Sauce at home! This quick recipe blends pineapple juice and vinegar for a sweet and tangy dip.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pineapple juice

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/3 cup white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons water

• Optional: A few drops of red food coloring for a bright color

Directions

• In a medium pot, mix together the pineapple juice, sugar, white vinegar, soy sauce, and ketchup. Stir it until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Put the pot on the stove over medium heat. Stir it occasionally until it starts to bubble a little.
• In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until it’s smooth and no lumps are left.
• When the sauce is bubbling, slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture while stirring constantly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce gets thicker.
• If you want, add a few drops of red food coloring to make the sauce look even better!

Notes

• Adjust the Sweetness: You can change how sweet the sauce is by adding more or less sugar based on what you like.
• Serving Temperature: This sauce tastes great warm or cold, so serve it however you prefer.
• Make Extra: If you want, you can make a big batch and freeze some for later use!