McDonald's Sweet And Sour Sauce Recipe (2024)

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If you’re a fan of McDonald’s sweet and sour sauce, you’re in luck! With this recipe, you can now make your own version of this iconic sauce at home. Not only is it easy and affordable to make, but it’s also a great way to satisfy your cravings without leaving the house. In this guide, we’ll take you through all the steps to create the perfect sweet and sour sauce that will rival the one from your favorite fast-food joint.

Page Contents

History of McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce

The history of McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce can be traced back to the 1950s, when the fast food chain started experimenting with new condiments to add to their menu. The sauce was first introduced as a dipping sauce for Chicken McNuggets in 1983, and it quickly became a fan favorite.

The original recipe for McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce was a closely guarded secret, but it is believed to have been a blend of sugar, corn syrup, water, vinegar, modified corn starch, apricot puree, soy sauce, salt, caramel color, natural flavors, xanthan gum, and sodium benzoate. Over the years, the recipe has undergone some changes, but it still remains a popular condiment around the world.

McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce has become so popular that it is now available in grocery stores across the United States and Canada, where it is sold under the McDonald’s brand. It is also a popular ingredient in many recipes, including stir-fries, marinades, and Salad Dressings.

Today, McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce is an iconic condiment that has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Its tangy and sweet flavor has become a staple of the fast food industry, and it continues to be a favorite of McDonald’s customers, both young and old.

What Are Some Dishes That Pair Well With This Sauce?

McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce is a versatile condiment that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some popular dishes that go well with this sauce:

  1. Chicken McNuggets: The most popular pairing for McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce is with Chicken McNuggets. The sweet and tangy flavor of the sauce complements the crispy texture of the nuggets perfectly.
  2. French Fries: McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce is also a great dip for French Fries. The sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the salty fries, making for a delicious combination.
  3. Egg Rolls: This sauce is a classic accompaniment to egg rolls. The tangy sweetness of the sauce balances the savory flavors of the egg rolls, making for a tasty combination.
  4. Fried Shrimp: McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce is also a great dip for fried shrimp. The sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the shrimp, making for a delicious combination.
  5. Grilled Chicken: This sauce can be used as a marinade for grilled chicken. The tangy and sweet flavor of the sauce adds a nice kick to the chicken, making it a flavorful and delicious dish.
  6. Salad Dressing: You can use McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce as a salad dressing. Just mix the sauce with some oil and vinegar and drizzle it over your favorite greens for a sweet and tangy twist.

How to Store McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce?

To store McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce, follow these steps:

  1. Transfer the sauce to an airtight container: Once you have finished using the sauce, transfer any leftover sauce to an airtight container. This will help to keep the sauce fresh and prevent it from spoiling.
  2. Refrigerate the sauce: Place the container of sauce in the refrigerator. The sauce should be stored in the coldest part of the fridge, which is usually the back.
  3. Use the sauce within a week: McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. After that, it is recommended that you discard any remaining sauce.
  4. Reheat before using: When you’re ready to use the sauce again, take it out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Then, reheat the sauce in a microwave-safe dish or on the stovetop until it is warm and runny.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the ingredients needed for McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce?

The ingredients for the sauce typically include sugar, corn syrup, water, vinegar, modified corn starch, apricot puree, soy sauce, salt, caramel color, natural flavors, xanthan gum, and sodium benzoate.

Is it possible to make McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce at home?

Yes, it is possible to make McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce at home with a few simple ingredients. There are many recipes available online that can help you recreate the sauce’s unique flavor.

How long does the sauce last in the refrigerator?

The sauce can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I freeze the sauce?

It is not recommended to freeze the sauce, as the texture and flavor may change when thawed.

What are some dishes that pair well with McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce?

Some popular dishes that go well with this sauce include Chicken McNuggets, french fries, egg rolls, fried shrimp, grilled chicken, and salads.

Is McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce vegan?

Some versions of the sauce may contain animal-derived ingredients like honey or fish sauce, so it is important to check the ingredients list before consuming it as a vegan.

Is the sauce gluten-free?

The sauce may contain gluten in the form of modified corn starch, so it is important to check the ingredients list before consuming it as a gluten-free option.

How many calories are in McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce?

The calorie count for the sauce varies depending on the serving size, but it typically contains around 50-60 calories per serving.

Can I use the sauce as a marinade?

Yes, the sauce can be used as a marinade for grilled chicken or other meats.

Where can I find McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce?

The sauce is available at McDonald’s locations worldwide and is also sold in grocery stores under the McDonald’s brand.

McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

This recipe will guide you through how to make McDonald’s sweet and sour sauce at home. The sauce is sweet, tangy, and pairs perfectly with chicken nuggets, stir-fry, and other dishes. With a few simple ingredients and some stirring, you can make a delicious sauce that rivals the iconic fast-food version.

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Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Equipment

  • Small saucepan

  • Whisk

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons apricot preserves
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Red food coloring optional

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar, white vinegar, water, apricot preserves, cornstarch, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.

  • Heat the saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.

  • Reduce the heat to low and continue to whisk the sauce until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

  • If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring to achieve the classic McDonald’s sweet and sour sauce color.

  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool before serving.

Notes

  • This recipe makes about 1 cup of sweet and sour sauce.
  • You can adjust the sweetness and sourness of the sauce by adding more or less sugar and vinegar, respectively.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the sauce ingredients in a blender or food processor before heating.
  • Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • This sauce is not only great for dipping chicken nuggets, but it’s also delicious as a glaze for stir-fry or as a dipping sauce for egg rolls.

Keyword Mc Donald, Sauce, Sour, Sweet

Conclusion

McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce is more than just a condiment – it’s a flavor experience that has captured the hearts and taste buds of millions around the world. With its unique blend of tangy and sweet flavors, this sauce is a perfect accompaniment to a wide range of dishes, be it fast food or home-cooked meals. By using our version of the recipe, you can recreate the magic of McDonald’s Sweet and Sour Sauce in the comfort of your own kitchen. So why settle for bland and boring condiments when you can add a burst of flavor to your meals with this classic sauce? Give our recipe a try and take your taste buds on a journey they won’t soon forget.

McDonald's Sweet And Sour Sauce Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why did McDonald's get rid of sweet and sour sauce? ›

Why is the Sweet & Sour Sauce no longer available as one of the nuggets condiments? We no longer serve sweet & sour sauce due to demand. However, you can still enjoy our Curry or Barbeque Sauce.

What is the actual Flavour of sweet and sour sauce? ›

Sweet and sour sauce tastes just like it sounds. A little bit sweet and a little bit sour at the same time. You will also have notes from whatever you flavour it with. The sweet and sour tastes can be made with a simple sugar and vinegar mix.

Does Mcdonalds sweet and sour have pineapple in it? ›

The flavoring of McDonald's Sweet & Sour dip has sent some TikTokkers into a tailspin after an account revealed which fruit plays a central role in its tang. While some suggested pineapple might be the elusive star of the smooth sauce, others have been left “shaken” by the discovery that it is in fact apricot.

What is McDonald's signature sauce made of? ›

Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Sweet Relish (diced Pickles, Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Corn Syrup, Xanthan Gum, Calcium Chloride, Spice Extractives), Water, Egg Yolks, Distilled Vinegar, Spices, Onion Powder, Salt, Propylene Glycol Alginate, Garlic Powder, Vegetable Protein (hydrolyzed Corn, ...

What is the main ingredient in McDonald's sweet and sour sauce? ›

Ingredients: High Fructose Corn Syrup, Water, Apricot Puree Concentrate And/or Peach Puree Concentrate, Distilled Vinegar, Contains 2% Or Less: Soy Sauce (water, Soybeans, Wheat, Salt), Salt, Modified Food Starch, Sherry Wine Powder, Dextrose, Soybean Oil, Xanthan Gum, Spices, Sodium Benzoate (preservative), Natural ...

Why does McDonald's sweet and sour sauce taste different? ›

While the sauce, a mainstay of American Chinese restaurants, usually has a tomato-y element, the appeal of the McDonald's version lies in its simpler taste and its use of apricot and peach purée. But it's the texture that makes the sweet-and-sour a work of art.

Can you buy sweet and sour sauce at the grocery store? ›

You can easily buy sweet and sour sauce in any supermarket, however, it doesn't take much to make at home. This versatile condiment can be used as a marinade, glaze, dressing, or dip and pairs perfectly with savory ingredients.

Can you buy sweet and sour sauce in a bottle? ›

For retail the Sweet and Sour Sauce can be supplied in a 300ml HDPE squeezy bottle.

What is authentic sweet and sour sauce made of? ›

While sweet and sour can be found in diverse forms in China, the American version builds upon the simple mixture of sugar, vinegar, and spices with the addition of fruit juice—most commonly pineapple—and ketchup, giving the sauce both its red hue and uniquely Western flavor.

How long is McDonald's sweet and sour sauce good for? ›

Tartar Sauce: 2 months - 1 year. Creamy Ranch Sauce: 2 months - 1 year. Sweet 'N Sour Sauce: 1-2 years.

Did McDonald's get rid of hot mustard? ›

While Hot Mustard was discontinued nationally in 2015, it is still available in select markets according to McDonald's. So don't give up hope just yet. Just keep asking for it and you might come across it on your next road trip.

Is McDonald's sweet and sour sauce plum sauce? ›

Sweet 'N Sour Sauce at McDonald's is a sweet and sour apricot and peach-flavored sauce with savory spices and slight lingering heat.

What is the formula to the secret sauce of McDonald's? ›

1 cup mayonnaise. 2 tablespoons relish (drained) 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar. 2 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing.

What is the most used sauce at McDonald's? ›

Sweet and Sour Sauce

This sauce has a tangy and sweet flavor that goes well with chicken nuggets and fried foods. The Sweet and Sour Sauce at McDonald's is a tangy and flavorful dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with a variety of menu items. It is a versatile and widely popular condiment.

What is the most expensive McDonald's sauce? ›

For example, if you happen to have a pack of McDonald's Szechuan Sauce from the restaurant's 1998 promotion of the Disney movie "Mulan," you could be looking at a five-figure payday similar to Bank's. In 2017, Time Magazine reported that a packet of the 30-plus-year-old dipping sauce sold on eBay for $14,700.

Do they have sweet and sour sauce at McDonald's? ›

Sweet 'N Sour Sauce at McDonald's is a sweet and sour apricot and peach-flavored sauce with savory spices and slight lingering heat.

What sauce did McDonald's bring back? ›

McDonald's Is Bringing Back One of Its Most Popular McNugget Sauces for Very Limited Time — Here's How to Order It. Szechuan Sauce has been a fan favorite since its debut in 1998. Jelisa Castrodale has been a staff writer with Food & Wine since 2019.

What are McDonald's fans stunned after realizing what sweet and sour sauce is made from? ›

"How do people not know this?" one asked. "Sweet n Sour is essentially Apricot jam and white vinegar," another claimed. Other ingredients in Sweet 'n Sour sauce include salt, xanthan gum, peach puree, garlic powder, cellulose gum, caramel colour, extractives of paprika dried chili peppers, onion powder and more.

Why did McDonald's stop selling mayonnaise? ›

When we spoke to the fast food chain about the lack of mayonnaise on their menu, they said not enough customers wanted the sauce to make it worthwhile. A spokesperson commented, "What we offer in our restaurants is based on customer demand. We don't currently have any plans for mayonnaise to be made available." WHAT?

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