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McDonalds Sweet And Sour Sauce Recipe

Jeremy Williams We Want The Sauce Founder and Editor In Chief
Written By: Jeremy Williams
Published Date:
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Are you a fan of McDonalds Sweet and Sour sauce?

Well, you’re not alone.

Since its introduction in 1983, this highly addictive sauce has become one of McDonald’s most popular dipping sauces.

But why settle for little packets when you can have as much as you want?

I’ve put together a great-tasting McDonalds Sweet and Sour sauce recipe for you that has all the authentic taste of the original and is super easy to make at home.

No more begging for extra packets at the drive-through. Now you can enjoy this delicious sauce whenever you want, on whatever you want.

And you’ll be surprised at the secret ingredient. And no, it’s not mango or pineapple.

So if you love sweet and sour sauces, you’ll love this McDonalds Sweet and Sour sauce recipe that you can have ready in less time than it takes to run through the drive-through.

What Do You Need To Make McDonalds Sweet and Sour Sauce

Ingredients

Apricot Jam

Yes, apricots are the secret ingredient in McDonalds Sweet and Sour sauce recipe!

Look for brands with no sugar added, or even better, use homemade jam.

Fresh Garlic

Garlic intensifies the flavor of the sweet and sour sauce.

Feel free to substitute ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for the fresh.

Honey

Brings out the sweetness of the apricot jam and gives your sauce a richer, fuller flavor than plain corn syrup or other liquid sweeteners.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Gives your sauce the perfect amount of acid.

I’ve tried using other types of vinegar but wasn’t happy with the flavor. It made the sauce too acidic.

Cornstarch

Acts as a thickening agent.

Soy Sauce

Adds some salty Asian flavor.

I like to use Kikkoman, but you can use your favorite brand.

Prepared Yellow Mustard

Adds a delicious tang.

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper bring out the other flavors but use them sparingly.

You could over-season your sweet and sour sauce depending on the soy sauce used.

Equipment

  • Cutting board and knife (to mince the garlic)
  • Non-reactive mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Medium saucepan
  • Stovetop or other heat source

How To Make McDonalds Sweet and Sour Sauce

Step One: First, peel and finely mince the garlic.

Step Two: Then add all the ingredients except the water to a non-reactive mixing bowl and blend with the hand blender.

Note: if you want a smoother sauce, you can put the ingredients in a blender and liquify them to your desired consistency. Or, if you prefer a chunkier sauce, skip the hand mixer and use the spoon to mix the ingredients.

Step Three: Next, put the mixture in a medium saucepan, add the water, and bring it to a boil under medium-low heat.

Step Four: Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer for five minutes while stirring frequently.

Step Five: The sugars in the sauce make it prone to catching on the bottom, so be sure to scrape the bottom of the saucepan while stirring.

Step Six: While simmering, your sauce will thicken and take on a rich amber color.

Step Seven: Taste your sauce, adjust any of the ingredients, and season with salt and pepper.

Step Eight: Allow the sauce to cool or chill in the fridge before serving.

Enjoy!

Other Things To Consider When Making McDonalds Sweet and Sour Sauce

What Can I Eat with McDonalds Sweet and Sour Sauce

Forget chicken nuggets! This sauce tastes so good that you’ll be looking for ways to eat it every day.

  • Serve warm over a creamy brie for a delicious appetizer.
  • Add some sesame seed oil and use it for a great-tasting vegetable stir fry.
  • The perfect sauce for sweet and sour pork or chicken.
  • Mix it with your favorite smoky barbeque sauce for mouth-watering barbeque ribs.
  • Or add some non-flavored Greek yogurt for a delicious sweet-and-sour salad dressing.
  • A personal favorite – smear it on your morning toast instead of regular jam to wake up your tastebuds!

Make More Than You Need

This McDonalds Sweet and Sour sauce recipe tastes so good that you’ll run out before you know it.

So why not double the recipe?

The sauce will stay fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks in an airtight container, though it never lasts that long at my house.

You can also keep it in the freezer for up to four months.

There’s no better way to start the day than my morning coffee and crusty sourdough toast smeared with McDonalds Sweet and Sour sauce. Yum!

Yield: Yield: 1 ½ cups of sauce (approx 15 servings)

McDonalds Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

McDonalds Sweet and Sour Sauce

Do you love McDonald's Sweet and Sour sauce? Well, this recipe is going to help you make a delicious copycat version right at home. Plus it takes just 10 minutes and 8 ingredients!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 fresh garlic clove, peeled and minced
  • 1 1/4 cup apricot jam
  • 2 tablespoons of honey
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
  • ¼ cup of water
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. First, peel and finely mince the garlic.
  2. Then add the garlic, apricot jam, honey, apple cider vinegar, cornstarch, soy sauce, and yellow mustard to a mixing bowl and blend with a hand mixer.
  3. Note: if you want a smoother sauce, place the ingredients in a blender and liquify until it reaches your desired consistency. Or skip the hand mixer and use a spoon if you prefer a chunkier sweet and sour sauce.
  4. Pour the mixture into a medium saucepan and add the water, mixing well.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil under medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer for five minutes while stirring frequently. The sugars in the sauce make it prone to catching on the bottom, so be sure to scrape the bottom of the saucepan while stirring.
  7. While simmering, your sauce will thicken and take on a rich amber color.
  8. After five minutes, taste your sauce and adjust any of the ingredients.
  9. Season with salt and pepper.
  10. Remove your sauce from the heat and allow it to cool or chill in the fridge before serving.
  11. Give it a quick stir before serving.
  12. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Want a little heat? Add a pinch (or two) of ground cayenne pepper.
  • Try changing the fruity flavor by using other types of jams, pineapple and mango are excellent options.
  • Mix with your favorite barbeque sauce, or add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a delicious sweet and sour rib sauce.
  • Deepen the flavor with a ¼ teaspoon of onion powder.
  • Use rice vinegar instead of apple cider for a richer Asian flavor.
  • Add toasted sesame seed oil to make a great-tasting stir fry.

Nutrition Information:


Amount Per Serving: Calories: 35Total Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 110mgNet Carbohydrates: 8gProtein: 0g
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