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Vegan Sweet and Sour Sauce with tamari

Vegan Sweet and Sour Sauce with Tamari

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 1 cup (enough for 4 servings of stir fry or as a dipping sauce for appetizers)

Equipment

  • Small saucepan for simmering the sauce
  • Whisk to blend ingredients and ensure the cornstarch dissolves smoothly
  • Microplane or grater for the fresh ginger
  • Measuring cups and spoons accuracy helps the sauce taste balanced
  • Jar or bottle for storage if you're making it ahead of time

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice unsweetened – this gives the sauce that fruity note reminiscent of classic sweet and sour sauce with pineapple
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar – for tanginess
  • 1/4 cup tamari – a gluten-free soy sauce alternative that provides deep umami
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup – adds sweetness without using refined sugar
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste – gives color and a rich base
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch – to thicken the sauce
  • 2 tablespoons cold water – to mix with cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger – brightens the overall flavor
  • 1 clove garlic minced – for aromatic depth
  • Pinch of chili flakes optional – if you want a mild heat
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

Mix the Cornstarch Slurry

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Set aside — this will be your thickening agent later on.

Combine the Base Ingredients

  1. In your saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, rice vinegar, tamari, maple syrup, tomato paste, ginger, and garlic. Stir until everything is fully integrated.

Simmer Gently

  1. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 3–5 minutes, until it begins to slightly reduce and become aromatic.

Thicken the Sauce

  1. Give your cornstarch slurry a quick stir again (as it might have settled), and pour it into the saucepan. Stir constantly as the sauce begins to thicken — this happens quickly, within 2 minutes.

Adjust and Cool

  1. Taste the sauce and add salt or chili flakes as desired. Once it’s reached your preferred thickness and flavor, remove it from the heat. Let cool slightly before transferring to a storage container or pouring directly over your dish.