Sweet and Sour Sauce for Stir-Fry

Name: Sweet and Sour Sauce for Stir-Fry
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp light soy sauce; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 4 tbsp white sugar; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp tomato ketchup; 1 tbsp water

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Homemade sweet and sour sauce for stir-fry, perfect for tossing with vegetables, chicken, beef, and more. It’s made with just 6 ingredients, ready in minutes, and keeps well in the fridge for up to a week!

Sweet and sour stir-fry sauce in a small white bowl with a ceramic spoon, served on a wooden board next to fresh vegetables.

About this recipe

If you love cooking but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen every day, premade sauces can be a real lifesaver.

But honestly, most of the ones you find in stores are way too sweet for our taste! We’ve been trying to eat a little healthier lately, and it’s shocking how much sugar (and unnecessary ingredients) those bottled sauces have.

So, I decided to make my own sweet and sour stir-fry sauce that works with just about any vegetables or protein. It’s simple to make, preservative-free, and made with ingredients you probably already have at home.

Sweet and sour beef stir-fry with vegetables and pineapple, served with steamed jasmine rice on a ceramic plate. — I made this sweet and sour beef stir-fry using the sauce from this recipe, so easy and full of flavor!

We absolutely love the flavor (it’s perfectly balanced!) but you can always adjust it by adding a touch more sweetness or tang to suit your taste.

Ingredient notes & substitutes

You can grab everything you need for this recipe at your nearest Asian grocery store or market. For exact measurements, head to the recipe card below!

Light soy sauce – Adds a savory depth and saltiness. Don’t use dark soy sauce here; it would make it too heavy and sweet.
Oyster sauce – Adds a rich, savory touch with just a hint of sweetness. It’s what gives the sauce that beautiful glossy finish. Use vegetarian oyster sauce if you’d like to keep it meat-free.
White sugar – Balances the tang from the vinegar and the saltiness from the sauces. You can swap it for palm sugar or brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Rice vinegar – Brings the bright, tangy “sour” that makes this sauce pop. It’s milder than white vinegar, so the flavor stays balanced and not too sharp.
Tomato ketchup – Adds that signature sweet and sour flavor with a hint of fruitiness and color. It blends perfectly with the vinegar and sugar for a classic taste.
Water – Helps thin out the sauce so it’s smooth and coats your vegetables or protein evenly without being too thick.

How to make sweet and sour stir-fry sauce

Step 1: Add all ingredients (light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, and water) to a small saucepan.

Step 2: Place the pan over low to medium heat and stir gently to combine.

Step 3: Warm the sauce, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved and everything is well mixed, this should take about 1 to 2 minutes.

Sweet and sour stir-fry sauce simmering in a white saucepan on the stovetop, with a smooth reddish-brown color.

Step 4: Once it starts to gently simmer, remove from heat.

Step 5: Let it cool completely before storing, or use it right away in your favorite stir-fry. Enjoy!

How to use this sauce?

This sweet sour sauce works wonderful with chicken, pork, shrimp, tofu, or just a simple veggie stir-fry. Here’s how to cook with it:

Heat a little oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chopped garlic or onion if using, and stir-fry until fragrant.
Toss in your protein and cook until nearly done.
Add your vegetables and stir-fry until just tender.
Add a few tablespoons of this sauce to taste and stir everything together. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and coats everything nicely.
Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice or noodles.

How to store

Let the sauce cool completely before storing. Pour it into a clean jar or airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to one week. Give it a quick stir before using, since some separation is normal.

You can also freeze it in small portions using an ice cube tray if you want to keep it longer.

Frequently asked questions

Is this sauce gluten-free?

No, light soy sauce is not gluten-free. Look for certified gluten-free versions of soy and oyster sauce if needed.

Can I make it spicier?

Yes. Add chili flakes, sriracha, or even Thai chili paste.

Can I use this as a dipping sauce too?

It can work as a dipping sauce, but you might need to simmer it with a bit of cornstarch mixed in water to thicken it up.

More Thai sauce recipes to try

This Asian sweet and sour sauce for stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fresh and flavorful without relying on bottled sauces. Let me know if you give it a try, and don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more!