Sweet-and-Sour Sausages are a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that perfectly balances tangy and sweet flavors with savory sausage. This easy-to-make recipe features juicy sausages cooked in a vibrant, sticky sauce made from pineapple, bell peppers, and a blend of sweet and sour ingredients like brown sugar and vinegar. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a delightful main dish or appetizer for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. Serve it over steamed rice or with toothpicks for a fantastic party treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) sausage links (Italian, bratwurst, or your favorite type)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple or fresh)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
- Cooked white rice or toothpicks for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sausages: Slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausages from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced red and green bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Add the pineapple chunks and continue to cook for another 2 minutes.
- Make the Sweet-and-Sour Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables and pineapple, stirring well to combine.
- Thicken the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Combine and Cook: Add the cooked sausage pieces back into the skillet and stir to coat them in the sweet-and-sour sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sausages to soak up the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice for a main dish or with toothpicks as a party appetizer. Enjoy!
Feel free to adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to suit your taste.