This Copycat McDonald's Sweet and Sour Sauce recipe is easy to make at home and only takes 10 minutes to cook! Enjoy this healthier fast food favorite will quickly become a go-to in your home.
Since you are here, make sure to check out this Wingstop Cajun Fried Corn Recipe!
This is the best Copycat McDonald's Sweet and Sour Sauce recipe!
This homemade version of Mcdonald's sweet and sour sauce is by far one of my favorite sauces to make. This is because it is so easy, and all you need are a few sweet, sour, and savory ingredients.
You can use this sauce to dip just about anything, like chicken nuggets, French fries, and everything else that you can find at your favorite fast food chain. This is also my go-to when I order anything Chinese. I love to dip Panda Express Wontons or even pour it over some of my favorite chicken and rice meal.
Why you need to make this recipe!
- It's versatile. You can use this sauce on nearly everything! My favorite is chicken nuggets, Chinese food, potato wedges or even wings! I've also used it over meatballs, which makes a great appetizer.
- It's quick. You can make this recipe in under 10 minutes. Because most of the ingredients are already a liquid, it quickly warms up enough so that you can stir and enjoy.
- Easy to make. All you need to do is dump the ingredients into the saucepan, heat it, and it's ready to go! You will already have most of the ingredients in your cabinet at home!
Ingredients for this McDonald's Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this McDonald's Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements.
- Apricot Jam: I recommend using a golden jam that is good quality. If you're unable to find apricot jam, you can use preserves or even peach jam. The peach may give the sauce a little bit more of a sweeter flavor.
- Pineapple Juice: Pineapple juice is very acidic, which is great for this sauce. It helps balance out the super sweet flavors and sour flavors.
- Water: Water is used to help thin out the sauce. If you notice your sauce is too thick, add a little splash of water to help thin it out.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: ACV adds the perfect amount of acid and a great flavor to this dip. You can also use rice wine vinegar, but it is a little sweeter.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to help thicken up your sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Adding soy sauce adds an umami flavor and adds salt to the recipe. If you use low-sodium soy sauce, it shouldn't have too much of a taste difference.
- Salt: Adding just a pinch of salt helps enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- Yellow Mustard: I recommend only using yellow mustard for this recipe; it brings adds a tart, yet tangy, flavor to the recipe. If you use dijon or spicy mustard, the sauce will not taste the same.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a pungent, nutty flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: These are 100% optional. I like to add it in for a little bit of spice. You can also add in a little hot honey or chili peppers or paste.
How to Make McDonald's Sweet and Sour Sauce
This is how you can make Copycat McDonald's Sweet and Sour Sauce. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions!
Whisk all the ingredients in a medium saucepan.
- Place over medium heat and allow it to simmer for 5-10 minutes or until it reaches the desired thickness.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Sweet and Sour Sauce Pro Tips
- While you're cooking the sauce, be sure to stir it consistently so that it doesn't burn. It will easily stick to the bottom of the saucepan.
- Before serving, let the sauce cool down for at least 15 minutes. This will allow it to thicken.
- If you're using jam that is a little chunky, or apricot preserves, be sure to mash or blend before putting it in your sauce. This will keep the sauce a nice, smooth texture.
Frequently asked questions - FAQ
The great thing about this recipe is that there are so many things you can do with leftover sweet and sour sauce. You can put it over meatballs, little hotdogs, sausages, fries, or potato wedges. You can also use it as a condiment on sandwiches and burgers or as a dipping sauce for Chinese food. However, it will only keep in the fridge for about two weeks.
You can store your leftover sweet and sour sauce in an airtight container, like a mason jar. Before you put it in the fridge, make sure that you let it cool to room temperature as you don’t want it heating up the temperature in your fridge. It can stay in the fridge for two weeks and in the freezer for about three months. To reheat it from both refrigerated or frozen, just place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it at 30-second intervals. Or just toss it into a saucepan and cook on low until it’s warm.
You can easily make this sauce a little spicy by adding red pepper flakes, hot honey, or even chili sauce. I like to use red pepper flakes because I think they have the best flavor and I always have it in my spice cabinet. I also really enjoy using hot honey. It keeps the sauce a nice and smooth texture.
McDonald's Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
Sweet and sour sauce recipe McDonald's
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup apricot jam
- 3 tbsp pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 3/4 tsp yellow mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Whisk all the ingredients in a medium saucepan.1/2 cup apricot jam, 3 tbsp pineapple juice, 2 tbsp water, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 tsp soy sauce, 3/4 tsp yellow mustard, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Place over medium heat and allow it to simmer for 5-10 minutes or until it reaches the desired thickness.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Kathryn says
I love how there isn't any added sugar in this sauce! So easy to make and always good with chicken!
Chahinez says
That peach jam does wonders!
Kathleen says
I'm always up for a good copycat recipe like this fantastic sweet and sour sauce. It's perfect for dipping.
Chahinez says
I am so glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Gianne says
It's the perfect blend of tangy and sweet flavors that complements the chicken nuggets perfectly. I could eat it by the spoonful! 10/10 would recommend!
Chahinez says
So glad to hear you enjoyed it Gianne!
Alison Corey says
I just had a plate of this incredible recipe, and my taste buds are still celebrating.
Chahinez says
It goes so well with chicken and fries hhuh!