Panda Express Sweet & Sour Sauce
Panda Express's sweet and sour sauce strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet, making it the ideal companion for crispy orange chicken, spring rolls, and egg rolls. This copycat recipe recreates that glossy, vibrant sauce using rice vinegar, pineapple juice, and brown sugar for authentic Asian-American takeout flavor that's better than delivery. The addition of soy sauce provides umami depth, while cornstarch creates that signature thick, clingy consistency that coats every piece. Unlike packet sauces filled with high fructose corn syrup, this homemade version uses real ingredients and can be adjusted to your sweetness preferences. Make it ahead and store refrigerated for up to two weeks—it's perfect for stir-fries, dipping sauces, or drizzling over rice bowls for quick weeknight dinners. The bright orange-red color looks just like the restaurant version, and the glossy finish makes any dish look professionally prepared.
Disclosure: Some ingredient links are affiliate links. Learn more
Ingredients
- •Pineapple juice - 1/2 cup
- •Ketchup - 1/4 cup
- •Brown sugar - 2 tablespoons
- •Rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons
- •Soy sauce - 1 tablespoon
- •Cornstarch - 1 teaspoon
- •Water - 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Set aside.
- 2
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and soy sauce.
- 3
Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- 4
Once simmering, slowly add the cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- 5
Continue stirring for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, coating consistency.
- 6
Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving. The sauce will thicken more as it cools.
Tips & Variations
Pro Tips
- • Taste and adjust seasoning as you go
- • Use room temperature ingredients for best emulsification
- • Let flavors meld by refrigerating 30 minutes before serving
Storage
- • Refrigerator: Up to 1 week in airtight container
- • Freezer: Up to 3 months (thaw overnight)
Variations
Make it spicier with cayenne, tangier with extra lemon, or creamier with more mayo. Customize to your taste!
You Might Also Like
(4 recipes)
Big Mac Sauce (McDonald's Copycat)
Few sauces are as iconic as McDonald's Big Mac special sauce—that creamy, tangy, slightly sweet dressing that transforms two beef patties into an American legend. This copycat recipe recreates that distinctive flavor using a base of mayonnaise and French dressing, enhanced with sweet pickle relish, minced onion, and a touch of yellow mustard. The secret ingredient? A small amount of white vinegar that provides the characteristic tanginess that sets this sauce apart. Perfect for burgers, sandwiches, wraps, or even as a dipping sauce for fries, this homemade version contains no artificial preservatives and tastes fresher than anything from a packet. Once you've mastered this recipe, you'll never look at fast food the same way again—your homemade Big Mac will be the star of every backyard cookout. The sauce keeps refrigerated for up to two weeks, and the flavors actually improve after a day or two as the ingredients meld together beautifully.
Raising Cane's Sauce (Copycat Recipe)
Raising Cane's built an empire on their simple menu, but the real star is their legendary dipping sauce. Keep a batch in the fridge for quick lunches or game day snacking. This tangy, slightly spicy sauce pairs perfectly with crispy chicken fingers, but it's versatile enough for sandwiches, fries, and even salads. Our copycat recipe nails the original's flavor profile using mayonnaise as the creamy base, enhanced with ketchup for sweetness, Worcestershire sauce for depth, and garlic powder with black pepper for that subtle kick. The key is letting the flavors meld in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving—this allows the spices to bloom and the sauce to develop its full complexity. Make a double batch because once your family tastes it, they'll want it on everything from chicken nuggets to grilled vegetables. This sauce stores beautifully for up to two weeks refrigerated, making it perfect for weekly meal prep or keeping on hand for spontaneous chicken tender cravings. The creamy texture and balanced flavor make this a crowd favorite.
Shake Shack ShackSauce (Copycat)
Shake Shack's signature ShackSauce has achieved cult status among burger enthusiasts, and for good reason. Make a double batch for your next backyard cookout—guests always ask for the recipe. This creamy, tangy sauce with its distinctive pink hue elevates any burger from ordinary to extraordinary. Our copycat recipe combines mayonnaise with ketchup, Dijon mustard, and dill pickle brine for that characteristic tang, plus a hint of cayenne for subtle heat. The genius is in the proportions—enough sweetness to balance the acidity, enough spice to make it interesting, but nothing overpowering. Beyond burgers, this sauce is incredible on chicken sandwiches, as a dipping sauce for sweet potato fries, or even as a spread for wraps and grilled cheese. Keep a jar in your refrigerator and transform everyday meals into restaurant-quality experiences. The sauce develops even better flavor after sitting overnight, so consider making it a day ahead when possible. Stores refrigerated for up to two weeks. Try it on hot dogs, onion rings, or drizzled over loaded fries.
Chick-fil-A Sauce Copycat Recipe
There's something almost magical about Chick-fil-A sauce—that perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy that makes every nugget and waffle fry disappear in seconds. This homemade copycat recipe captures that addictive flavor using simple pantry ingredients you probably already have. The secret lies in the careful balance of honey mustard creaminess with a subtle smokiness from paprika and just enough tang from pickle juice and yellow mustard. Whether you're meal prepping for the week, hosting a game day party, or simply craving that signature taste without the drive-thru wait, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under five minutes. Make a big batch and store it in your refrigerator for up to two weeks—though it rarely lasts that long once your family discovers it's homemade. The sauce pairs perfectly with chicken tenders, nuggets, waffle fries, grilled sandwiches, and even as a spread for wraps. Kids absolutely love this sauce, making it perfect for family dinners and packing in lunchboxes.
Get the Complete Collection
50 restaurant-quality sauces in our digital cookbook. Instant PDF download.
Get All 50 Recipes for $9