Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Perfect Pairings for This Homemade Sauce
- What Makes This Sweet and Sour Sauce So Special?
- Customize Your Sweet and Sour Sauce
- How to Store and Serve This Sauce
- Tips for the Best Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
This homemade sweet and sour sauce recipe is a McDonald’s copycat that tastes even better than the original. It’s quick and easy to make with pantry staples and is perfect for dipping or drizzling over your favorite dishes. Store it in the fridge for a week and enjoy restaurant-quality sauce anytime!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Sour Sauce
If you’ve ever craved McDonald’s sweet and sour sauce at home, you’re in luck! This homemade sauce is tangy, slightly sweet, and packed with the same flavors you love—without any preservatives or artificial ingredients. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients and about 10 minutes of your time.

Perfect Pairings for This Homemade Sauce
One of the best things about this sweet and sour sauce recipe is its versatility. While it’s famous for pairing with chicken nuggets, it also works wonders as a dipping sauce for egg rolls, fried shrimp, or crispy tofu. It can even be used as a glaze for grilled chicken or pork, adding a delicious balance of sweetness and tang.

What Makes This Sweet and Sour Sauce So Special?
Unlike store-bought versions, this homemade sauce allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the flavor to your liking. It’s made with real apricot preserves, giving it a natural sweetness, and balanced with vinegar for that signature tangy taste. Whether you like it more tart or extra sweet, you can tweak the ratios to get the perfect flavor profile.

Customize Your Sweet and Sour Sauce
While this recipe is already spot-on for the classic McDonald’s copycat flavor, you can easily make it your own. Want it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer a thicker consistency? Increase the cornstarch. Experiment with different fruit preserves, such as peach or pineapple, for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
How to Store and Serve This Sauce
Once your homemade sweet and sour sauce is ready, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If it thickens too much in the fridge, simply reheat it with a splash of water to restore its smooth texture. Serve it warm or cold, depending on your preference!
Tips for the Best Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Use high-quality apricot preserves for the best flavor.
- Whisk the sauce continuously while cooking to prevent clumps.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less vinegar.
- Let the sauce cool before storing to maintain its consistency.
This quick and easy recipe brings the taste of your favorite dipping sauce right to your kitchen. Whether you’re using it for nuggets, fries, or stir-fry, this sweet and sour sauce recipe is sure to become a staple in your home.
For more delicious homemade recipes, visit Betty Cooks.


McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup apricot preserves
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine apricot preserves, white vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce.
- Whisk in the garlic powder and onion powder.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then add to the saucepan.
- Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool before serving. Enjoy with nuggets, fries, or your favorite snacks!
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