Like McDonald’s sweet and sour sauce? Have you considered making it yourself? You’re lucky! We’ll show you how to prepare McDonald’s sweet and sour sauce in this post.
This zesty sauce goes well with chicken, pig, and even vegetables. This dish will wow your dinner guests or satisfy your McDonald’s sweet and sour sauce desire. Let’s cook!
How to Make McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce
I’ve loved fast food condiments. I’ve always loved McDonald’s sweet and sour sauce. It goes with everything from chicken nuggets to stir-fry because of its sweet and tangy taste.
As a health-conscious person who avoids processed foods, I wanted to make this delicious sauce at home with natural ingredients. After trying several recipes, I found the right balance of ingredients to replicate McDonald’s sweet and sour sauce without artificial additives.
Why make sweet and sour sauce when McDonald’s sells it? Making your own sauce lets you control the ingredients and prevent additions. It’s a wonderful way to get creative in the kitchen and wow friends and family.
McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons of ketchup
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of water
Step by Step Instructions to Make McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk the ingredients together until they are fully combined.
Heat the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and whisk it in. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a serving dish.
Serve the sweet and sour sauce with your favorite dishes, such as chicken nuggets, egg rolls, or stir-fry.
McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce FAQs
Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute white vinegar for apple cider vinegar if you don’t have any on hand. However, the flavor may be slightly different.
Can I use fresh garlic and onion instead of the powders?
Yes, you can use fresh garlic and onion if you prefer. Simply finely chop them and add them to the saucepan along with the other ingredients.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Can I freeze the sauce?
While it is possible to freeze the sauce, the texture and flavor may be affected once it thaws. It is best to make the sauce fresh and use it within a week.
What Goes Best With McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce
McDonald’s sweet and sour sauce on chicken nuggets is one of my vices. Crispy chicken with sweet-tangy sauce is always a winner.
The sweet and sour sauce goes with more than chicken nuggets. I love dipping egg rolls and spring rolls in it. The sweet-and-sour sauce complements the rolls’ savory stuffing.
Stir-fry goes well too. I cook a basic stir-fry with vegetables, tofu, and rice and drizzle sweet and sour sauce on top for extra flavor.
Sweet-and-sour sauce marinates meat well. I marinate chicken or pig in the sauce before grilling or baking for a soft, juicy, and tasty entrée.
If you’re daring, add sweet and sour sauce to the pizza! Spread a layer of sauce over a pizza crust, add your favorite vegetables and meats, and bake until brown and bubbling.
McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons of ketchup
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of water
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk the ingredients together until they are fully combined.
- Heat the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and whisk it in. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a serving dish.
- Serve the sweet and sour sauce with your favorite dish, such as chicken nuggets, egg rolls, or stir-fry.
