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Kimberley’s Signature Sweet & Sour Sauce

Sweet and sour spare ribs served over rice with corn, coated in a glossy homemade sauce

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

  1. In a bowl, whisk together all ingredients until smooth.
  2. Pour into a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
  4. 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
Close-up of tender sweet and sour ribs coated in thick sticky glaze
That glossy, sticky sweet & sour glaze… this is where the magic happens ✨

🍝 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

Sweet and sour meatballs coated in homemade sauce served as a party appetizer
Slow-cooked sweet & sour meatballs — perfect for parties and potlucks 🔥

🍽️ 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 💜

Sweet and sour ribs served with seasoned potato wedges and creamy coleslaw
The full comfort plate — ribs, wedges, and coleslaw 💜
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine: ,
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Dietary: Dairy-Free, nut-free
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
  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • ¾ cup vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2-3 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
  1. 1
    In a bowl, whisk together all ingredients until smooth.
  2. 2
    Pour into a saucepan over medium heat.
  3. 3
    Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
  4. 4
    Cook until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency (about 10–15 minutes).
  5. 5
    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
Keywords: sweet and sour sauce, homemade sweet and sour sauce, easy sweet and sour sauce recipe, classic sweet and sour sauce, sauce for ribs and meatballs, Kimberley’s Kookbook
Read it online: https://kimberleyskookbook.com/recipe/kimberleys-signature-sweet-sour-sauce/
Kimberley
Sharing my Kookbook collection of simple home-cooked recipes and cozy kitchen moments.

Hi, I’m Kimberley — welcome to Kimberley’s Kookbook.

This is my little corner of the internet where I share my Kookbook collection of simple home-cooked recipes and cozy kitchen moments. I love creating approachable, no-fuss meals that feel comforting, healthy, nourishing, and made with heart. My kitchen isn’t about perfection — it’s about real food, real life, and sharing meals with the people we love.

Here you’ll find everyday recipes, fresh flavors, healthy twists on comfort food, and a sprinkle of kitchen joy along the way. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, I hope my recipes make your table feel warm and welcoming. So grab a cup of tea, pull up a chair, and let’s cook something delicious together.

💜 Kimberley

Thank you for visiting my Kookbook :)