Difference between Duck Sauce and Sweet and Sour Sauce

You can improve your food’s flavor in a range of ways. That includes adding sauce such as duck sauce or sweet and sour. How much do you know about duck sauce and sweet and sour sauce?

What is the difference between duck sauce and sweet and sour sauce? Well, even though these two are somewhat versions of one condiment, they have some significant differences.

In our post today, we compare duck sauce vs. sweet and sour. We hope to figure out how different they are. Read on for a full comparison.

Difference between Duck Sauce and Sweet and Sour Sauce

Is duck sauce the same as sweet chili sauce?

Ingredients

Normally, these two are made using a different combination of ingredients. A normal version of duck sauce includes some jams, preserves, as well as fresh fruit. Certain recipes make use of Chinese plum sauce as the main ingredient. To provide some umami, soy sauce is included. Vinegar is also added to increase the acidity in case the fruits don’t do it.

Sweet and sour sauce, on the other hand, is mainly made with honey or sugar and vinegar. A thickener is also added to the mix. Some versions have certain fruity additions on the ingredients list, such as pineapple juice. There are also spices such as garlic and ginger that are included, but not always.

The sourness in sweet and sour is brought by ketchup.

Consistency and Flavor Profile

Because different ingredients are used in making the two types of sauces, they have different consistencies and flavor profiles.

Traditional duck sauce has a sweet fruity taste that’s also complex. But sweet and sour does not have that fruity aspect, even when some fruit-based ingredients are included. It normally has a simple flavor.

At the same time, duck sauce can be chunky, mainly because it has some fruit in it. Sweet and sour, on the other hand, has a smooth and glossy feel.

Appearance

As you would expect, these two do not look similar. Duck sauce can be somewhat yellow because the fruits included, such as apricots and plums, are pale. Certain versions can be orange.

Since ketchup is added in sweet and sour, it is normally red to orange in color.

Why is Sweet and Sour Sauce Called Duck Sauce?

Well, even though they are different in certain ways, they have some similarities. Therefore, if you are just looking for a sweet sauce that has some acidity, then any can work. They are interchangeable. However, duck sauce features a fruitier flavor, which is thanks to the pineapples, plums, apricots, or peaches added to it.

In Conclusion

The two types of sauces are a must-have in your kitchen. They are great ways of adding some flavor to your food to get that sweetness and acidity you need to make your food better than ever. We hope you can now tell the difference and identify the one that you need to improve your recipe.