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Aloha! Sweet & Sour Sauce

My recipe for a savory Asian-Hawaiian sauce I use with my Recipe #502044, and for meatball party appetizers.

Recipe card by The Spice GuruEditorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 13, 2026
PineappleTropical FruitsOnionsFruitVegetablePolynesian
Aloha! Sweet & Sour Sauce

Total time

15 min

Servings

12

Calories

32.2

Category

Sauces

Transport your taste buds to the islands with this easy, homemade Aloha Sweet & Sour Sauce. Perfect for stir-fries, dipping crispy tofu, or glazing roasted vegetables, this vibrant vegan sauce balances the tropical sweetness of pineapple with a savory, tangy kick. Ready in under 15 minutes, it is a quick and healthy pantry-staple upgrade that beats any store-bought version.

Ingredients

Makes 12 servings

  • 1/2 sake
  • 3 brown sugar
  • 3 ketchup
  • 2 1/2 cornstarch
  • 2 1/2 lemon juice
  • 4 sriracha sauce
  • 2 garlic powder
  • 1 ground ginger

Method

  1. NOTES: DRY SAKE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED WITH 2 TABLESPOONS DRY SHERRY, PLUS 1 TABLESPOON WATER. FOR A MILDER SAUCE, REDUCE AMOUNT OF SRIRACHA. TO PREPARE A SWEET & SOUR SAUCE FOR FRIED PORK AND FRIED PRAWNS -- DOUBLE THE RECIPE -- THEN REPLACE 2/3 CUP OF THE PINEAPPLE JUICE WITH ORANGE JUICE, REPLACE THE TERIYAKI SAUCE WITH RICE VINEGAR, REPLACE DRY GINGER WITH A 1-INCH CUBE PEELED FRESH GINGER ( SIMMER THEN REMOVE BEFORE SERVING), ADD 1 1/2 TABLESPOONS SOY SAUCE, AND 1/4 TEASPOON CHINESE FIVE SPICE POWDER.

  2. WHISK all of the sauce ingredients in a small or medium saucepan.

  3. BRING mixture to a boil, stirring constantly until completely thickened (you may thin sauce with water then re-season with a few grains of salt, if needed, to accommodate your personal preference and/or recipes).

  4. USE in your favorite recipe, or store refrigerated in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Keeps indefinitely.

  5. ENJOY!

Cook's notes

  • For a smoother, restaurant-style consistency, blend the cooked pineapple and onion mixture before adding the cornstarch slurry.
  • Adjust the heat by adding a pinch of red chili flakes or fresh minced ginger for a spicy Polynesian-inspired twist.
  • Ensure you whisk the cornstarch with cold water separately before adding it to the hot pan to prevent clumps.

Easy swaps

  • Replace fresh pineapple with canned pineapple tidbits (reserve the juice to replace some of the water in the recipe).
  • Use agave nectar or maple syrup if you prefer not to use brown sugar.
  • Swap apple cider vinegar for rice vinegar for a milder, more authentic Asian flavor profile.

Frequently asked

Is this Aloha Sweet & Sour sauce vegan?

Yes! This recipe is 100% plant-based, vegan, and dairy-free.

How can I make this sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for an additional 2-3 minutes or increase the cornstarch slurry by half a teaspoon.

What dishes go well with this sauce?

This sauce is excellent as a glaze for crispy tofu, poured over stir-fried bell peppers and snap peas, or used as a dipping sauce for vegan spring rolls.

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