Introduction
Ever find yourself staring blankly into the fridge on a busy weeknight, wondering if you can whip up something tasty without summoning every takeout app on your phone? Yeah, me too.
That’s where this low sugar sweet and sour sauce swoops in like a superhero in a vegan cape—rescuing your dinner plans with a splash of tangy, sweet magic that’s kinder to your sugar levels and your conscience.
It’s the kind of sauce that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if the only thing you’ve done all day is debate whether to wear pajamas or real pants. Plus, it’s a fantastic addition to mix-and-match grain bowls that can be whipped up in no time.
Perfect for those lazy weekends or when you just want your taste buds to do a happy dance without hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s plant-powered, gluten-free, and packed with flavor that’ll have you wondering why you ever bothered with the sugary stuff in the first place.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil or coconut oil (liquid gold alert)
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 2 crushed garlic cloves
- ½ tsp fresh ginger root, grated (zingy and zesty)
- ½ red chilli, deseeded and finely diced or pinch of chilli flakes, optional
- ¼ tsp Chinese five spice powder
- 4 tbsp tomato puree
- 200ml fresh vegetable stock
- 2 tsp cornflour
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp xylitol or pinch of stevia (to taste)
- 2 tbsp tamari soy sauce, gluten free
- 200g fresh pineapple cut into small pieces
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of sea salt
This sauce is basically the Beyoncé of vegan condiments—sweet, sour, and totally ready to dance on your taste buds. With pineapple bringing tropical vibes and tamari adding that umami kiss, even flexitarians will be singing its praises. Additionally, using budget-friendly ingredients allows you to whip up delicious vegan dishes without breaking the bank. So grab your spatula and let’s get saucy, plant pals!
How to Make It
Making this Low Sugar Sweet and Sour Sauce is like throwing a little party in your pan—starting with 1 teaspoon of olive or coconut oil to gently wake up 1 small finely diced red onion.
Let those little pieces soften and get all cozy while you toss in 2 crushed garlic cloves, half a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger, and if you’re feeling a bit wild, a bit of red chili or chili flakes for that cheeky kick.
Stir it all around for about a minute—you want those flavors chatting nicely, not fighting.
Now, the magic thickener comes into play. In a tiny bowl, blend 2 teaspoons of cornflour with 3 tablespoons of fresh vegetable stock until it’s silky smooth—no lumps allowed in this sauce squad.
Pour the rest of the 200ml veggie stock, 2 tablespoons each of rice or apple cider vinegar, xylitol (or a pinch of stevia if you prefer), tamari soy sauce (gluten-free for our sensitive pals!), and 4 tablespoons of tomato puree into the pan.
Bring this tangy, sweet, and savory concoction to a lively boil, then lower the heat and introduce 200 grams of fresh pineapple chunks.
That’s where the sauce really starts to shine, with juicy bursts of tropical sunshine.
Keep stirring until the sauce thickens nicely and the pineapple softens just enough to make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Season it with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of sea salt (because even vegan sauces deserve a little sass). This sauce can be a versatile addition, much like how sundried tomato tapenade enhances many plant-based dishes.
And there you have it—a guilt-free, low sugar sweet and sour sauce that’s ready to jazz up your tofu, veggies, or whatever plant-based feast you fancy.
Easy, delicious, and with just the right amount of sass.
Bonus Tips
- Feeling saucy? Toss in some chopped fresh basil or mint for a zesty twist that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
- Pineapple not your thing? Swap it for mango or peach chunks and keep your sweet-and-sour game tropical and totally plant-powered.
- Want it spicy but chill? Add a dash more chili flakes and pretend you’re the boss of a fiery vegan kung fu movie.
Why You’ll Love It
This sweet and sour sauce is like the plant-based superhero of your kitchen—quick to whip up and ready to rescue even the blandest weeknight meal.
It’s got enough zing and tang to make your taste buds do a happy dance, without any sneaky sugar crashes. Perfect for those who want flavor fireworks without the fuss, it’s your go-to sidekick for jazzing up tofu, veggies, or whatever vegan goodies you’ve got on hand.
Think of it as the saucy friend who always shows up on time and never asks for anything in return—except maybe a stir or two!
Nutritional Info
These are estimated values.
Calories: 45
Protein: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fat: 0 g
Nutrition estimates are provided for vibe-check purposes only — they aren’t legally binding promises of eternal health or six-pack abs.
