Kraft Sweet and Sour Sauce

Kraft sweet and sour sauce is a mouthwatering pantry staple that perfectly balances sweetness and savory flavor in dishes. This lovely and tangy sauce has been turning your everyday dishes into something special in no time. It is a flavorful, bold sauce that might be your secret weapon, delivering a punch of flavor for years. 

Kraft sweet and sour dipping sauce is an American-made product inspired by Chinese flavor. It’s commonly found in Chinese-American cuisine. Although it’s not authentically Chinese, its sweet and tart flavor has become popular in the US. 

Today, I will show you how to create a tasty homemade version of this sweet and sour sauce using common go-to ingredients. 

Let’s get right into it. 

What is Kraft Sweet and Sour sauce?

Kraft Sweet and Sour Sauce is completely distinct from other sauces, thanks to corn syrup, vinegar, pineapple juice, green and red bell pepper, spices, and paprika. Additionally, you can use it as a sauce, dressing, or marinating ingredient. 

You can make your own Kraft sweet and sour bottle at home. Last week, I attempted to make this sweet and tangy Kraft sauce, which turned out exceptionally well. At first, I will show you what ingredients I gathered to make this Asian-inspired condiment.

Corn Syrup

Corn syrup is an alternative to brown sugar here. It helps to sweeten the sauce and balance the acidity of the vinegar. ⅓ cup or 65g of corn syrup or brown sugar will be enough. And if you are not a sweet lover, use less syrup according to your taste. 

Vinegar

For a strong sourness, use ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar. Moreover, you may replace white vinegar if apple cider vinegar is not available. However, unlike regular vinegar, apple cider vinegar has a fruity taste.

Pineapple Juice

½ cup of pineapple juice adds fruity sweetness and acidity. Since this ingredient is present in the main Kraft sweet and sour sauce, I can’t resist using it to achieve the best results. 

Cornstartch

1 ½ tablespoons of cornstarch give the sauce thickness and a glossy look, along with a clingy texture. Before adding, mix it with normal water.

Salt

A pinch of salt balances sweetness and acidity. It is optional. 

Dried Red & Green Ball Pepper

Adding 1 ½ tablespoons of dried bell pepper to the sauce enhances its sweetness and provides a mild vegetable flavor. Use it by blending it with lukewarm water and making a paste. 

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce adds umami depth and a bit of saltiness that helps round out the sweet and sour profile of the sauce. Use one tablespoon. 

Spices

½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, a pinch of white pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of paprika are the game-changing spices here. 

Ketchup

Ketchup is the base of this sauce and brings sweetness and a mild tang to it. It also adds body and color to the sauce. ¼ cup of ketchup is enough. 

Water

It helps to dissolve the cornstarch in a lump-free slurry. I need two tablespoons of it. 

How to Make Kraft Sweet and Sour Sauce (5 Simple Steps)?

I tried replicating the Kraft sweet and sour sauce by watching its ingredients list. And as I said, it was the same as the Kraft sweet and sour sauce. Just follow my six simple steps, and you won’t believe it is a homemade sauce. 

Step 1 

In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine the foundation ingredients. Whisk together pineapple juice, corn syrup, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, bell pepper paste, and all spices. Mix them thoroughly. 

Step 2 

Simmer the mixture and stir it occasionally to dissolve everything. 

Step 3

To thicken the gravy, take a separate bowl and mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Slowly whisk into the sauce. 

Step 4 

Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes and stir until the sauce becomes glossy and thick. 

Step 5 

Let it cool before you use it as a dip or pour it over your sauce. You can store it in the fridge for 1 week. 

Serving Suggestions

As a Dipping

It takes on a throwback fast food flavor when paired with chicken nuggets. As an additional appetizer option, try it with some crispy egg rolls or spring rolls. The tangy-rich sauce pairs nicely with fried shrimp, fish bites, or coconut shrimp in a dip. 

Stir-Fry Sauce

Are you in the mood for a stir-fry? Toss this sauce with chicken or pork, plus some sautéed onion, bell peppers, and pineapple. Believe me, it amazingly goes well with any stir-fry.

As a Glaze

Want your food to glaze and look more appetizing? Brush this sauce over any food, like grilled salmon, cooked meatballs, or grilled chicken. 

Bowl Topper or Drizzle.

You can spoon it into lettuce wraps filled with seasoned ground meat or tofu for extra zing. To enhance the flavor of your rice bowl, drizzle it with the protein you served there and see the result. 

Essential Tips

1. Use normal bell peppers for fantastic flavor. Chop them well and cook them in the sauce. 
2. You can use roux instead of cornstarch. You make it with an equal quantity of butter and flour. 
3. Let the sauce cool completely, then store it in an airtight jar to last longer, and reheat it every time you serve it.

Conclusion

This Kraft sweet and sour sauce is simple and rewarding if you can recreate it well. Some simple ingredients can turn into magic, and you can achieve the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. Whether using it as a dipping sauce or in a stir-fry, its versatility is unmatched. 

This sweet and sour sauce is a reliable, flavorful companion that brings homemade comfort and bold taste to the weekend meal.

FAQ’s

What Does Kraft Sweet and Sour Sauce Taste Like?

Like a fast food sauce with a hint of pineapple, it’s sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy. If you’re a fan of McDonald’s sweet and sour sauce, you’re going to love this sauce

Can You Cook With Kraft Sweet and Sour Sauce or Just Use It as a Dip?

Definitely both. It’s ideal for quick stir-fries, glazing meat, or tossing with veggies—super handy when you don’t want to whip up a sauce from scratch.

Is Kraft Sweet and Sour Sauce Gluten-free or Vegan?

Truly, I think so. Use it to glaze meat, combine with vegetables, or make a quick stir-fry—it’s perfect for those times when you don’t feel like making a sauce from scratch.

How Does Kraft’s Version Compare to Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce?

Kraft nails the convenience factor, but homemade wins on flavor and freshness. If you’ve got the time, a DIY version has way more personality.