Sweet and sour sauce is a classic preparation with its roots in Chinese cuisine, recognized for combining flavors that contrast but perfectly complement each other. This type of sauce has been adopted and adapted in various Latin American countries, where its name may vary; for example, in Mexico it is often simply known as sweet and sour sauce, while in countries like Argentina or Colombia it is also called sweet and sour sauce or sweet and acidic sauce, depending on the region. This sauce emerged as a way to balance the salty with the sweet and the acidic, offering a unique gustatory experience that enhances dishes like meats, seafood, and fried vegetables.
Although its origin is linked to Asian cuisine, sweet and sour sauce has become globalized, and each country has introduced its own variations using local ingredients, adapting this delicious combination to their palates and culinary traditions. In Latin America, its use is very popular, especially to accompany fried chicken, meatballs, and rice dishes.