Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade Sweet Chili Sauce brings together a delightful balance of sweetness and heat with a burst of garlic and tangy vinegar. It’s the perfect accompaniment to spring rolls, chicken wings, grilled meats, and even roasted vegetables. Making it from scratch allows you to control the level of spice and sweetness, ensuring it matches your personal taste. Plus, it’s so much better than store-bought versions!

Ingredients

1 cup water
1/2 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water, rice vinegar, sugar, fish sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
Once the sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the saucepan and continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Remove from heat and let the sauce cool before using.
Pour into a jar or bottle for storage.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 1 cup of sauce
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Variations

Adjust the Heat: If you like a spicier sauce, increase the red pepper flakes or add a finely chopped fresh chili pepper.
Sugar-Free Version: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol for a low-carb or sugar-free version.
Add Fresh Herbs: For added depth, stir in some chopped fresh cilantro or basil before serving.
Vegan Version: Substitute the fish sauce with a plant-based alternative, such as soy sauce or tamari.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the sweet chili sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating: You can easily reheat the sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it thickens too much in the fridge, simply add a splash of water and stir to thin it out.

FAQs

1. Can I make this sauce spicier?

Yes, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or even add fresh chili peppers to the sauce for more heat.

2. Can I make this Sweet Chili Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. However, if you substitute fish sauce, make sure the alternative is gluten-free as well.

4. Can I use this sauce as a marinade?

Absolutely! This Sweet Chili Sauce works great as a marinade for chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even vegetables. Just allow the food to marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

5. Can I use a different vinegar?

Rice vinegar gives the sauce its characteristic tangy flavor, but you can substitute it with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar if you prefer.

6. Can I freeze Sweet Chili Sauce?

While it’s best used fresh, you can freeze Sweet Chili Sauce for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, and allow it to thaw before reheating.

7. How can I thicken the sauce?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water) to the sauce while simmering, as directed in the recipe.

8. Can I make this Sweet Chili Sauce without fish sauce?

Yes, you can substitute the fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian or vegan version.

9. What can I use Sweet Chili Sauce with?

This sauce is perfect as a dip for spring rolls, fried foods, or grilled meats. It’s also great for drizzling over roasted vegetables, stir-fries, and even sushi.

10. Can I use this sauce in cooking?

Yes, Sweet Chili Sauce works wonderfully as an ingredient in cooking, especially in stir-fries or as a glaze for meats and seafood.

Conclusion

Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce is a simple yet delicious condiment that will elevate any meal. With the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, it’s a versatile sauce that can be used for dipping, drizzling, or marinating. Once you try making it from scratch, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought versions. Easy to prepare and customizable to your taste, this Sweet Chili Sauce is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!

Sweet Chili Sauce

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This homemade Sweet Chili Sauce is the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy. Great for dipping, glazing, or as a marinade, this versatile sauce is simple to make with just a few ingredients. Ideal for all your Asian-inspired dishes or as a flavorful accompaniment to appetizers.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
Total Time: 10-12 minutes
Yield: 1 cup
Category: Condiment
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Thai
Diet: Vegan

Instructions

Combine the Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, rice vinegar, 1/4 cup water, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally and let it cook for about 5 minutes, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Cool: Once thickened, remove the sauce from the heat and allow it to cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Serve: Use as a dipping sauce, glaze, or marinade for your favorite dishes!

Notes

If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Adjust the sweetness and heat level to your preference by adding more or less sugar and chili flakes.