Description
Sweet Chili Sauce is a popular condiment with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. This homemade version combines chili peppers, garlic, sugar, and vinegar into a thick, glossy sauce that can be used for dipping, glazing, or drizzling. It’s quick, customizable, and free from preservatives, making it a better alternative to store-bought sauces.
Ingredients
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6–8 red chili peppers (or 1–2 tablespoons chili flakes)
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced or grated
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1 cup white sugar
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½ cup white vinegar (or rice vinegar)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
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½ teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
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Natural red food coloring (optional, for bright red color)
Substitution Options:
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Use brown sugar or honey instead of white sugar
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Replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch for thickening
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Skip fish sauce for a vegetarian version
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Use chili garlic paste or sambal oelek instead of fresh chili peppers
Instructions
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Prep the Ingredients:
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Mince garlic and ginger. Slice fresh chilies thinly (or use chili flakes).
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In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to make the slurry.
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Cook the Sauce:
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In a small saucepan, combine chopped chilies, garlic, ginger, sugar, and vinegar. Stir well.
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Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 4–5 minutes.
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Thicken the Sauce:
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Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly to avoid clumps.
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Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes until it thickens and becomes glossy.
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If it’s too thick, add a little more water to adjust.
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Cool and Store:
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Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool down.
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Pour the cooled sauce into a clean glass jar or container.
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Store in the fridge for up to 1 month.
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Notes
Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of chili or chili flakes used.
For a thicker sauce, simmer longer; for a thinner sauce, add more water.
Customize the sweetness by adjusting the sugar or using alternatives like stevia or monk fruit.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment / Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian