This Pineapple Sauce is a deliciously tangy and sweet sauce that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to desserts. It can be used as a topping for pork, chicken, or fish, or even as a dip for appetizers. The sweet and tangy flavor of pineapple combined with savory ingredients makes this sauce a versatile addition to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Tangy: The balance of sweet pineapple and tangy vinegar creates a rich, well-rounded flavor.
- Versatile: Perfect for meats, grilled vegetables, and even as a topping for desserts.
- Easy to Make: Quick and simple to prepare with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Pineapple Sauce
Fresh pineapple: Provides natural sweetness and the perfect base for the sauce.
Brown sugar: Adds extra sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy kick that balances the sweetness.
Soy sauce: Adds umami and depth to the flavor profile.
Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note to the sauce.
Garlic: For an aromatic, savory element.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, giving it the perfect consistency.
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Pineapple
Start by chopping the fresh pineapple into small pieces. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can also blend the pineapple before cooking.
Step 2 – Cook the Sauce
In a saucepan, combine the chopped pineapple, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 3 – Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Once the sauce has simmered and the flavors have developed, slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the pan while stirring. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 4 – Adjust Flavor
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more brown sugar for sweetness or more vinegar for tang. If you like a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy
Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and serve it warm. Drizzle over your favorite meats, vegetables, or desserts, and enjoy the delicious sweet and tangy flavor!
Tips for Success
- Smooth Sauce: For a smooth, consistent texture, blend the sauce after cooking to remove any chunky bits.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add more brown sugar or even honey.
- Spicy Variation: Add a little chili sauce or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Storage: Store any leftover pineapple sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Servings: 6
Calories: 70
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 140mg
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 0g
FAQ
Q1: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
A1: Yes, you can use canned pineapple, but make sure to drain it well and adjust the sweetness accordingly since canned pineapple may be sweeter.
Q2: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it before serving.
Q3: What dishes can I pair this pineapple sauce with?
A3: This sauce is great with grilled meats like chicken, pork, or fish. You can also serve it over rice or vegetables, or use it as a topping for desserts like cheesecake or vanilla ice cream.
Q4: Can I freeze the pineapple sauce?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q5: How can I make the sauce spicier?
A5: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or even fresh chopped chili peppers to give the sauce an extra kick.
Q6: Can I make this pineapple sauce without soy sauce?
A6: Yes, you can substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version, or skip it entirely if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
Q7: Can I use this pineapple sauce as a marinade?
A7: Absolutely! The pineapple sauce works wonderfully as a marinade for meats like chicken, pork, or even tofu. Marinate for at least an hour before cooking for the best flavor.
Q8: Can I add any other fruits to this sauce?
A8: Yes, you can experiment with adding other fruits like mango or orange for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to balance the sweetness with the vinegar.
Q9: Can I use this sauce for a fruit salad?
A9: While this pineapple sauce is delicious, it’s more suited for savory dishes. However, you can use it as a drizzle over a fruit salad for a tropical twist.
Q10: What can I use instead of cornstarch to thicken the sauce?
A10: You can use arrowroot powder or a flour-based slurry as an alternative to cornstarch for thickening the sauce.
Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful Pineapple Sauce with your favorite dishes, and experience a burst of tropical sweetness!
PrintPineapple Sauce
This vibrant and tangy pineapple sauce is packed with sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Perfect for pairing with grilled meats, dipping, or drizzling over your favorite dishes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 1 cup of sauce 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup fresh pineapple, finely chopped
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch)
1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust based on heat preference)
Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine pineapple, 1/2 cup water, vinegar, honey, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat and let simmer for 10 minutes, or until the pineapple is tender.
- In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this slurry into the simmering sauce.
- Add the chili flakes and salt. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red chili flakes depending on your desired spice level.
- This sauce works great as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, grilled chicken, or fish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 30kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg