Ribs, Meatballs, Chicken & More
💜 A Recipe That Stayed
This is one of the very first recipes I started making after moving out on my own… and it’s been with me ever since.
It’s one of those recipes that never lets you down. Simple ingredients, easy to prepare, and always a hit no matter who I’m cooking for.
Over the years, I’ve used this sweet & sour sauce on everything from ribs to meatballs, and even just on its own. It’s become one of my true kitchen staples… the kind of recipe you don’t even need to look at anymore, you just know it.
Some recipes come and go… but this one stayed 💜
🍯 Why You’ll Love This Sauce
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect balance of sweet and tangy
- Thick, glossy, and clingy
- Works for multiple dishes
- Crowd-pleasing every single time
🍯 Sweet & Sour Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¾ cup vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 2–3 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together all ingredients until smooth.
- Pour into a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Use immediately or pour over your choice of protein and cook as desired.
💡 Tip: The longer it cooks with your meat, the more flavour it absorbs.
🍖 How to Use This Sauce
Sweet & Sour Spare Ribs (Oven Method)
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Cut 1 rack of St. Louis style ribs into individual pieces
- Place in a casserole dish or roaster
- Pour sauce over ribs
- Bake uncovered for about 60 minutes
- Stir occasionally to coat evenly
🍝 Party Meatballs (Crock-Pot)
- Transfer prepared meatballs to slow cooker
- Pour sauce over top
- Cook on HIGH for 4–6 hours
👉 Perfect for parties, potlucks, and easy appetizers
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Over rice
- With seasoned potato wedges
- With a side of creamy coleslaw
- As an appetizer with toothpicks
- With extra sauce for dipping
✨ Kimberley’s Tips & Variations
- Add pineapple chunks or juice for a fruity twist 🍍
- Adjust vinegar slightly for more or less tang
- Great with chicken, pork, or even veggies
💜 Kimberley’s Note
This is one of those recipes that feels like home to me.
It’s simple, it’s reliable, and it’s something I’ve carried with me through the years. Whether I’m making a full dinner or bringing something to share, I know this one will always be a hit.
And honestly… those are the best kind of recipes 💜
Kimberley’s Signature Sweet & Sour Sauce
Description
This is one of my go-to staple recipes that I’ve been making since I first moved out on my own. Simple, reliable, and always a hit, this sweet & sour sauce is thick, glossy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy.
It’s incredibly versatile and works beautifully on ribs, meatballs, chicken, and more. The longer it cooks, the richer the flavour becomes, making it a true kitchen favourite you’ll come back to again and again 💜
Ingredients
Instructions
-
In a bowl, whisk together all ingredients until smooth.
-
Pour into a saucepan over medium heat.
-
Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
-
Cook until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency (about 10–15 minutes).
-
Remove from heat and use immediately or store for later.
Note
- The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
- For a thinner sauce, reduce cornstarch slightly.
- For a thicker, stickier glaze, use the full 3 tbsp cornstarch.
- Great for ribs, meatballs, chicken, or as a dipping sauce.
- Makes 2 cups
