Which Sweet & Sour?

Published on 5 January 2025 at 17:11

Whether you're tossing it with crispy prawns, drizzling it over stir-fried veggies, or using it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, this Sweet & Sour Sauce - homemade, is guaranteed to impress. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up this delicious sauce in minutes. By making it yourself, you can control the freshness, sweetness, sourness, and even add a personal twist with spices.   Instructions for basic sauce:

Bring water to a boil, then stir in brown sugar, ketchup, and vinegar. Add pineapple chunks, diced onions, and bell peppers. To thicken, mix 1/2 cup of cornstarch with water and gradually stir it into the sauce.

Sweet and Sour Prawns

  • Description: Large, succulent prawns are stir-fried and sauce added
  • Highlight: The  prawns absorb the sauce beautifully, making each bite a burst of sweet and tangy flavor.

Sweet and Sour Salmon

  • Description: Salmon fillets are pan-seared to perfection and then glazed with a sweet and sour sauce made from honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and a touch of ginger.
  • Highlight: The rich, buttery texture of salmon pairs wonderfully with the vibrant sweet and sour glaze.

Sweet and Sour Scallops

  • Description: Fresh scallops are sautéed until golden and then tossed in a sauce made from apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and a bit of chili for heat.
  • Highlight: Scallops’ natural sweetness is enhanced by the sauce, creating a harmonious balance of flavours.

Sweet and Sour Tofu with Seaweed

  • Description: Firm tofu is fried until crispy and then mixed with seaweed strips and vegetables like carrots and bell peppers, all coated in a traditional sweet and sour sauce.
  • Highlight: The seaweed adds a distinct umami flavour, complementing the tangy sweetness of the sauce.

Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet

  • Description: White fish fillets (like cod or tilapia) are lightly battered and fried until crispy, then smothered in a homemade sweet and sour sauce with ginger, garlic, and pineapple.
  • Highlight: The crispy fish contrasts beautifully with the sticky, flavourful sauce, making it a perfect comfort dish.

These dishes are perfect for those following a pescatarian diet, offering a variety of textures and flavours that are sure to satisfy.