Craving that classic tangy flavor that hits the sweet spot between zesty and savory? The Jamie Oliver Sweet and Sour Sauce brings you just that — a beautifully balanced homemade sauce with bold citrus notes, gentle sweetness, and a hint of umami that clings deliciously to stir-fried veggies or crispy chicken.

This vibrant sauce comes together in under 20 minutes and is made from ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

What is Jamie Oliver’s Sweet and Sour Sauce?

Jamie Oliver’s Sweet and Sour Sauce is a homemade version of the iconic Chinese takeout condiment. Made with a mix of vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and fruit juice or purée, it’s simmered until slightly thickened and glossy. The sauce is known for its perfect balance between tart and sweet, and pairs well with crispy fried meats, tofu, or vegetables.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Better than takeout – It tastes fresher, richer, and cleaner than store-bought sauces.
No artificial ingredients – Made with whole, real pantry staples.
Ready in 15–20 minutes – Ideal for busy weeknights or quick fixes.
Versatile flavor base – Pairs well with proteins, noodles, or even rice bowls.
Kid-friendly flavor – It’s tangy but not too spicy, great for family meals.
Perfect for batch cooking – You can store it for later and use throughout the week.

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver’s Sweet and Sour Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need to get that perfect sweet-sour balance:

Pineapple juice (½ cup) – Brings natural sweetness and subtle acidity.
Rice vinegar or white vinegar (¼ cup) – Adds a sharp, tangy flavor.
Brown sugar (3 tbsp) – Sweetens and deepens the overall taste.
Ketchup (2 tbsp) – Adds color, richness, and a tomato base.
Soy sauce (2 tbsp) – Brings saltiness and umami depth.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Enhances the savory profile.
Cornstarch (1 tbsp, mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) – Thickens the sauce.
Red chili flakes (optional, pinch) – For a gentle heat kick.

Equipment Needed

Small saucepan
Whisk or wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and chopping board
Small bowl (for cornstarch slurry)

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver’s Sweet and Sour Sauce

Combine base ingredients
In a saucepan, mix pineapple juice, vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
Simmer the sauce
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 5–7 minutes.
Add cornstarch slurry
In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water. Slowly add it to the simmering sauce while stirring constantly.
Cook until thickened
Continue stirring on low heat until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy (about 2–3 more minutes).
Taste and adjust
Add more sugar or vinegar if you prefer it sweeter or tangier. A pinch of chili flakes adds heat if desired.
Cool and serve or store
Let the sauce cool slightly before serving or transferring to a jar for later use.

Jamie Oliver Sweet and Sour Sauce recipe

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver’s Sweet and Sour Sauce

Use it as a stir-fry base – Toss with vegetables, chicken, or prawns.
Serve it with crispy tofu – Adds contrast and depth to plant-based meals.
Drizzle over fried rice – A great way to add quick flavor to leftovers.
Dip spring rolls or dumplings – Works beautifully as a dipping sauce.
Glaze grilled meats – Brush on chicken, pork, or shrimp skewers.
Mix into noodle bowls – Instant upgrade for plain noodles or rice noodles.
Pair with roasted veggies – Try it with roasted broccoli or bell peppers.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Sweet and Sour Sauce

To perfect this sauce every time, keep the following tips in mind:

Use fresh juice if possible – Pineapple juice from fresh fruit gives better flavor than canned.
Balance is everything – Adjust sugar and vinegar gradually to find your perfect ratio.
Avoid overheating the cornstarch – Once thickened, remove from heat to prevent overcooking.
Use low-sodium soy sauce – Helps keep the saltiness under control.
Don’t skip the garlic – Fresh garlic enhances the savory depth.
Taste before serving – Flavors change slightly after cooling; final adjustments may be needed.
Make it in advance – The sauce develops more depth after a day in the fridge.

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Sweet and Sour Sauce

Put your own spin on the classic with these easy variations:

Add orange juice – Swap pineapple for orange juice for a brighter citrus flavor.
Go spicy – Add a chopped red chili or extra flakes for a spicy version.
Use honey instead of sugar – For a more natural sweetness and slightly different flavor.
Make it vegan – Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of regular soy sauce.
Blend in fresh fruit – Add pineapple chunks or mango puree for a fruity twist.
Create a smoky edge – A dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke adds another layer.

Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver’s Sweet and Sour Sauce

Refrigerate in a sealed jar – Keeps well for up to 7–10 days.
Use sterilized containers – Helps extend shelf life and reduce spoilage.
Label and date your batch – So you know when it’s time to use it up.
Avoid metal lids – Use plastic or lined lids to prevent corrosion from vinegar.
Freeze for longer storage – Pour into ice cube trays, then transfer to a freezer bag.

Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver’s Sweet and Sour Sauce

Warm gently on the stove – Stir constantly over low heat until warmed through.
Microwave with intervals – Use 15-second bursts, stirring between each.
Add a splash of water – Helps restore the original pourable texture.
Avoid overheating – Too much heat may dull the tangy flavors.
Reheat only what you need – Keeps the remaining sauce fresher.

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Sweet and Sour Sauce Healthier?

You can make this sauce lighter and still flavorful with a few simple changes:

Use less sugar – Reduce to 1–2 tbsp or replace with natural sweeteners like agave or maple syrup.
Skip the ketchup – Use tomato puree with a splash of apple cider vinegar for a cleaner option.
Add pureed fruits – Natural sweetness from mango, apples, or pineapple can reduce the need for added sugar.
Go gluten-free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Increase the garlic – Enhances flavor without extra calories or sodium.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 40
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 250mg
(approximate, per 2-tbsp serving)

FAQs

How do you thicken Jamie Oliver Sweet and Sour Sauce?

Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the simmering sauce and cook for 2–3 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Can I make sweet and sour sauce without pineapple juice?

Yes, you can substitute pineapple juice with orange juice or apple cider for a similar sweet-tart balance. If using either, slightly reduce the sugar to avoid making the sauce too sweet.

What makes Jamie Oliver’s sweet and sour sauce different?

Jamie Oliver’s version uses fresh, natural ingredients like vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and pineapple juice to create a sauce that’s balanced, tangy, and free from artificial additives or thickeners.

Can I use this sauce for marinating meat?

Yes, this sauce works well as a quick marinade. Let chicken, tofu, or shrimp sit in the sauce for 30–60 minutes before cooking to infuse flavor, then cook with the remaining sauce for added glaze.

Final Words

The Jamie Oliver Sweet and Sour Sauce is a simple yet flavorful addition to any kitchen. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and adds a bold, tangy depth to a wide variety of meals. Whether you’re tossing it with crispy chicken, drizzling it over tofu, or using it as a dipping sauce — this homemade version gives you restaurant-style results in minutes. Make a batch and keep your meals exciting all week long.

Jamie Oliver Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe