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McDonalds’ Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

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If you prefer to dine in and eat REAL chicken in your nuggets, but still crave that delectable sweet and sour sauce of your local fast food joint, here’s a fantastic copycat recipe.

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There’s a reason why they call it SWEET and sour, but we recommend that you don’t omit the corn syrup as that’s what gives this recipe the same texture as the restaurant version you’re used to.
homemade copycat mcdonalds sweet and sour sauce

McDonalds Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor

To embark on this culinary adventure, you’ll need a carefully selected array of ingredients that come together to mimic the complex flavor profile of McDonald’s sweet and sour sauce:

  • Peach Preserves (1/4 cup): The foundation of the sauce’s sweet component, providing a fruity depth and smooth texture.
  • Apricot Preserves (1/4 cup): Complementing the peach preserves, apricot adds a slightly tart and tangy edge, enriching the sauce’s complexity.
  • Light Corn Syrup (2 tablespoons): This ingredient contributes to the sauce’s glossy appearance and ensures a smooth, clingy texture, enhancing its adherence to your favorite snacks.
  • White Vinegar (5 teaspoons): The primary source of the sauce’s tangy kick, vinegar balances the sweetness and adds a bright acidity.
  • Soy Sauce (1/2 teaspoon): Introducing a hint of umami, soy sauce deepens the sauce’s flavor profile, adding a layer of savory richness.
  • Yellow Mustard (1/2 teaspoon): With its vibrant taste and subtle spice, yellow mustard infuses the sauce with complexity and a slight heat.
  • Salt (1/4 teaspoon) & Garlic Powder (1/8 teaspoon): These seasoning agents enhance the overall flavor, ensuring that every note in the sauce sings harmoniously.
  • Cornstarch (1 1/2 teaspoons) & Cold Water (2 tablespoons): This slurry acts as a thickening agent, giving the sauce its characteristic consistency that perfectly coats and clings to your favorite dishes.

In a blender, combine peach preserves, apricot preserves, light corn syrup, vinegar, soy sauce, yellow mustard, salt, and garlic powder. Puree the ingredients until smooth, then transfer them to a small saucepan.

In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the cold water, mixing well.

Turn the heat onto medium and bring the mixture to a boil. Pour the dissolved cornstarch into the sauce as soon as it comes to a boil.

Bring the sauce back to a boil, reduce the heat slightly and simmer until thickened to the correct consistency you prefer. Remove from heat, cool, store in covered container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

dipping chicken into homemade sweet and sour sauce

Makes about 3/4 cup.

How to Make McDonalds Sweet & Sour Sauce at Home

McDonald's Sweet and Sour Sauce | It's Only Food w/ Chef John Politte

homemade chicken nuggets

McDonalds Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe Print

dipping chicken into homemade sweet and sour sauce
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Copycat McDonald's Sweet & Sour Sauce Recipe

Budget101.com by Melissa 'Liss' Burnell
Master the iconic taste of McDonald’s Sweet & Sour Sauce at home! This easy, quick recipe combines peach and apricot preserves with a tangy twist, creating the perfect dip that rivals your fast-food favorite. Ideal for chicken nuggets, fries, and more!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, sauce
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 87 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Blend the Base: In a blender, combine peach preserves, apricot preserves, light corn syrup, vinegar, soy sauce, yellow mustard, salt, and garlic powder. Puree until smooth.
    ¼ cup Peach Preserves
    ¼ cup Apricot Preserves
    2 tablespoons Light Corn Syrup
    5 teaspoons White Vinegar
    ½ teaspoon Soy Sauce
    ½ teaspoon Yellow Mustard
    ¼ teaspoon Salt
    ⅛ teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • Prep the Thickener: In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in cold water.
    1 ½ teaspoons Cornstarch
    2 tablespoons COLD Water
  • Cook the Sauce: Transfer the pureed mixture to a small saucepan. Heat over medium until it reaches a boil. Stir in the dissolved cornstarch.
  • Thicken: Bring the sauce back to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Cool & Store: Remove from heat, allow to cool, and then store in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
  • Enjoy this Copycat McDonald’s Sweet & Sour Sauce with your favorite snacks for a taste of fast-food nostalgia right at home!
Recipe Size Alteration Note

If you altered the ingedients above by doubling or tripling the recipe, you may also need to change the pan/dish size and adjust the cooking/baking time.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 87kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.003gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 143mgPotassium: 21mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 21IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 0.1mgNet Carbs: 22g
Tried this recipe?Mention @Budget101com or tag #Budget101com!

Pin this Delicious Copycat Sweet & Sour Sauce

copycat mcdonalds sweet and sour sauce recipe

Melissa 'Liss' Burnell, Founder of Budget101

👩‍🍳 About the Author

Melissa “Liss” Burnell is the founder of Budget101.com, a trusted frugal living resource online since 2001. With over 25 years of hands-on experience in meal planning, debt reduction, and DIY homemaking, she’s helped millions of families live well for less.

A mother of two, Liss first made waves by cutting her family’s grocery bill to under $200/month—then teaching others how to do the same. She is the author of two bestselling ebooks on feeding a family on a tight budget, available on Amazon.

📚 Learn more on the About page, or connect with Liss on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook.

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