Hello! I’m back with a classic sauce recipe that has won many hearts over the years, boasting a vibrant orange hue and a perfect mix of sweetness and tanginess. Yes, it’s none other than the iconic McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce, a cherished addition to all my meals from McDonald’s.
Since I can’t just swing by McDonald’s whenever I crave I’m their food, I took matters into my own hands and ventured into the kitchen, eager to recreate their famous Sweet and Sour Sauce. This is me paying homage to the beloved classic from McDonald’s. Making this dip on my own helped me bring the true taste of McDonald’s right to my kitchen.
At first, replicating this amazing McDonald’s flavor was a challenge. But after countless experiments and tweaks, I finally nailed it. This sauce is a staple at all my meals and gatherings, adding a perfect touch of nostalgia and deliciousness.
If you’re looking forward to enjoying this awesome sauce, just follow the methods mentioned, which will help you achieve a flavor exactly like McDonald’s. Whether you’re dipping, drizzling, or spreading, I am sure this sauce will elevate your meal to different heights. It appeals not only through its taste but also its glossy orange color and zesty aroma.
Let’s make this tangy sauce and turn snack time into something truly special that will keep our loved ones coming back for seconds! Together, we’ll prepare a batch that’s bound to impress and delight. So gather your ingredients, and let’s get started with this tangy sweet delight!
Equipments Required
- Mixing Bowl: I use a medium-sized bowl for a smooth blend.
- Spoon: I use a medium-sized spoon to mix my ingredients, but you can also use a hand blender if you prefer.
- Measuring Cups: For an accurate measurement of ingredients, use this piece of equipment
McDonald’s Sweet & Sour Sauce Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: The quantities of the ingredients mentioned below are enough to serve ten portions, roughly one tablespoon each, of McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce. You may adjust the quantities of the ingredients to serve more or fewer portions.
- 1 Cup of Apricot Preserves: For a similar fruity and unique flavor, you can try peach or fig preserves.
- 1 Tablespoon of Heinz 57 Sauce: I also like using Worcestershire sauce or Ponzu sauce for an extra citrusy and umami flavor with a similar tangy taste.Â
- 3 Teaspoons of Italian Salad Dressing: I prefer using avocado dressing for a creamy texture, which gives an extra sweet and iconic flavor. I also recommend using a honey mustard dressing for a sweeter punch
- 1 Teaspoon of Soy Sauce: A simple substitute is a salt and vinegar mixture, or you can even use liquid aminos, which are less salty but are similar to the taste of soy sauce.
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Minutes | – | 2 Minutes |
How To Make McDonald’s Sweet & Sour Sauce At Home
- Add apricot preserves, Heinz 57 sauce, Italian salad dressing, and soy sauce to a bowl.
- Next, ensure the mixture is blended evenly.
- Here you go! With Your lip-smacking, McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce is ready!
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- I also add in some rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly acidic and fruity tone.
- I encourage adding a little sesame oil at the end while preparing the sauce to get a balanced blend of sweet and tangy flavor.
- To increase the flavorful, robust bite, I prefer adding freshly grated ginger and minced garlic to the sauce.Â
- I even suggest adding pineapple chunks and juice for an extra sour and sweet taste. If you prefer a fruity note, Â you can also add pomegranate juice and seeds to the sauce.
- If you enjoy heat in your food, you can add hot sauces like sriracha or tabasco sauce.
- You can also garnish the sauce with some herbs like cilantro or green onions for a refreshing taste.
- If you wish for a creamy flavor, I recommend adding a little cashew cream for a rich and creamy taste in the sauce.Â
- For a perfectly smooth sauce, I always blend the sauce with a high-speed blender for about 30 seconds.Â
- I recommend allowing the sauce to sit overnight in the fridge before serving to let the flavors meld better.Â
- You can even add a teaspoon of liquid glucose to the sauce for a glossy finish.Â
FAQ’s About McDonald’s Sweet & Sour Sauce Recipe
Nutritional Information Per Serving
McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce is not a very healthy option, as it contains high calories. Hence, it is best to enjoy it in moderation to maintain a balanced diet.
I have mentioned the exact nutritional value of the McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce recipe below.
This McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce can be eaten by those on vegan, vegetarian, and dairy-free diets. However, people following ketogenic, gluten-free, and low-fat diets might have to consider altering a few of the ingredients to make them suitable for them.
Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Ketogenic Diets: I suggest altering apricot preserves to sugarless apricot jam or berry extracts to make this recipe suitable for ketogenic people. Instead of Heinz 57 sauce, you can use keto BBQ sauce, and for soy sauce, you can use tamari sauce and make this recipe keto-friendly.
- Low-fat Diet: To make this recipe suitable for people adhering to a low-fat diet, I recommend replacing the Italian seasoning dressing with a low-fat version.
- Gluten-Free Diet: To make this recipe suitable for people following a gluten-free diet, I suggest altering the soy sauce to tamari sauce.
Storing This Recipe
- In The Refrigerator: I typically keep my sauce in the refrigerator. You can do the same by transferring it to an airtight container or vacuum-sealed jar and placing it in your fridge. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 months.
- In The Freezer: At times, I even store it in the freezer, so you can do the same by packing the sauce in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed jar and storing it in the freezer. However, do not forget to thaw the sauce before you use it.
What To Serve With This Recipe
This fantastic McDonald’s Sweet & Sour Sauce recipe is perfect for various dishes, whether as a dip or a spread. Here are a few suggestions for you to try! One delicious option I always enjoy with this sauce is chicken stir fry and fried chicken wings.Â
Another delightful pairing is with crab rangoon, adding a wonderful seafood twist. You can also enjoy it as a dip with  Thai spring rolls or spread it over stuffed shells. This sauce also greatly complements whole roasted fish or boiled lobster.Â
Moreover, for a unique twist, I like to stir in some sweet and sour sauce when making fried rice or turkey chow mein, which really enhances the dish’s flavor.
Consider drizzling the sauce over egg salad for a refreshing change. With these limitless options, you can pair this sauce with any of your favorite foods!
Printable Version
McDonald’s Sweet And Sour Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Cup of Apricot Preserves
- 1 Tablespoon of Heinz 57 Sauce
- 3 Teaspoons of Italian Salad Dressing
- 1 Teaspoon of Soy Sauce
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Spoon
- Measuring cups
Instructions
- Add apricot preserves, Heinz 57 sauce, Italian salad dressing, and soy sauce to a bowl.
- Next, ensure the mixture is blended evenly.
- Here you go! With Your lip-smacking, McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce is ready!
Video
Notes
- I also add in some rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly acidic and fruity tone.
- I encourage adding a little sesame oil at the end while preparing the sauce to get a balanced blend of sweet and tangy flavor.
- To increase the flavorful, robust bite, I prefer adding freshly grated ginger and minced garlic to the sauce.Â
- I even suggest adding pineapple chunks and juice for an extra sour and sweet taste. If you prefer a fruity note, Â you can also add pomegranate juice and seeds to the sauce.
- If you enjoy heat in your food, you can add hot sauces like sriracha or tabasco sauce.
- You can also garnish the sauce with some herbs like cilantro or green onions for a refreshing taste.
- If you wish for a creamy flavor, I recommend adding a little cashew cream for a rich and creamy taste in the sauce.Â
- For a perfectly smooth sauce, I always blend the sauce with a high-speed blender for about 30 seconds.Â
- I recommend allowing the sauce to sit overnight in the fridge before serving to let the flavors meld better.Â
- You can even add a teaspoon of liquid glucose to the sauce for a glossy finish.Â
Nutrition
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Conclusion
If you want to wow your family, friends, or guests at a quick dinner party or any occasion, I highly recommend incorporating this McDonalds Sweet and Sour Sauce into your menu. Its bold flavor and glossy look are sure to impress.
This sauce features a distinctive blend of tangy, sour, and sweet tastes that kids absolutely love. Beyond being a simple recipe, it embodies a wonderful culinary tradition and is bound to be very popular at all parties and gatherings!
Now it’s your turn to seize this opportunity and whip up this fantastic and flavorful sauce. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! I’ll be back with another exciting recipe, but for now, enjoy this delicious dip!
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I made it. Iove it.
Hi Cynthia,
Makes us happy to see you delighted with the recipe. Check our website for more. Happy Cooking!
I just made this for 1/2 a dozen teens from my Sons football team and one works at McDonalds thumbs up from all of us.