Sweet Chili Sauce

If you want to add the most flavorful blend in terms of tanginess, heat, and sweetness, here’s the sweet chili sauce recipe. In Asian cuisine, it’s one of the top popular condiments. Because of its versatile use, it has become more popular with all cooks, from professional to non-professional. 

It pairs perfectly with anything, like nuggets or spring rolls. This sauce’s caramelized coating infuses the food so well, like tofu or chicken. So, if you want to get a different taste and flavor to your dish, try this spicy chili sauce.

Ingredients of Sweet Chili Sauce

Making the sweet chili sauce at home requires only a very few ingredients that are always available. So, here’s what you need while trying this amazing Thai chili sauce

 at home: 

• Garlic (1 Tsp)

Garlic is one of the most flavorful agents for this recipe. It will enhance the recipe’s depth and aromatic flavor. Thus, adding 1 teaspoon of minced garlic would make sure the Chili dipping sauce has a rich taste. However, you can use the garlic paste as well. In this case, use ½ tsp. Try to use fresh garlic if you want to get a fresh and also the best flavor.

• Red Chili (1 Tsp)

To give a signature heat to your recipe, add 1 tsp of minced red chili. However, if you want to get a smokier or milder flavor, go for chili flakes. And adjust the amount of chili flakes or minced chili considering your spice preference. 

• Rice Vinegar (½ Cup)

If your Sauce for chicken wings becomes overly sweet, rice vinegar will add a tanginess and get a good balance. Adding vinegar will act as a natural preservative that helps the sauce to be in fresh and good condition for a long time. If you have no rice vinegar, add white vinegar. 

• Sugar (⅓ Cup)

The Asian sweet sauces become sweet chili sauces in terms of sugar. So, add the amount of sugar according to your preference. If you don’t prefer adding sugar, go for either brown sugar or honey. Your sauce will get a richer texture. 

• Soya Sauce (2 Tsp)

To add the saltiness and savory depth, you need to add 2 tsp. of soya sauce. Adding soya sauce enhances the overall taste of the chili sauce. It also assists in balancing the sweetness and bringing a deeper color. 

• Cornstarch (2 Tbsp)

To give your recipe a sticky and thick texture, you need to apply cornstarch. So add 1 tbsp of cornstarch. We recommend you add 2 tbsp of water with 1 tbsp of cornstarch. It will allow the cornstarch to coat your food perfectly. However, stir more to remove lumps. 

• Water (½ Cup)

To get a good consistency, you should add ½ cup of water. Because water helps blending and diluting the flavors. 

How to Make Sweet Chili Sauce

Making the sweet chili sauce at home is far too simple. This is how simple it is to prepare your Asian-inspired sauces at home: 

Step-1

Take a saucepan and take soya sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and chilis. Now mix them properly. 

Step-2

This time, heat the stove on medium-low heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. 

Step-3

Now, add your cornstarch mixture and keep stirring for 10 more minutes. It will start becoming thicker. The duration can be less or more depending on the condition of your sauce for chicken wings. 

If the mixture becomes thicker before 10 minutes, heat off the stove. However, don’t forget to keep stirring non-stop. Or the mixture can be burned on the bottom of the saucepan. 

Step-4

Once you get your desired consistency, you should heat off the stove. 

Step-5

Now let the sweet chili glaze cool for 20 minutes. Once it’s cold, store it in a jar and refrigerate. 

Recipe Tips & Notes

• If you want to have a mild taste, use light soya sauce. However, for a richer taste, go for the dark soya sauce
• To make your sweet and savory condiments recipe healthier, you can avoid using excessive sugar. Use more natural ingredients, for example, chilies and fresh honey instead
• If you want an extra smooth sauce, you can use a blender or immersion blender to puree the sauce after cooking

FAQs

How to Make Sweet Chili Sauce at Home?

It’s easy to make sweet spicy sauce at home. All you need is to gather the essential ingredients like red chili, sugar, garlic, rice vinegar, soya sauce, cornstarch, and water. 

And, once you mix them well, the next step is to simmer the mixture on medium-low heat until it becomes thick. Check out our recipe guide for homemade sweet chili sauce for detailed instructions.

What Dishes Pair Well With Sweet Chili Sauce?

You can top all most all of your dishes with this sweet and savory condiment. For example- 

• Chicken wings
• Spring rolls
• Chicken/fish nuggets
• Vegetables roll
• Roasted Sprouts
• Sandwichs
• Hotdogs, and many more

How to Store Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce?

You must store the sweet chili dipping sauce in a jar that comes with an airtight lid. And, make sure the sauce is properly cold before you pour it into the jar. Refrigerate the sauce for up to 6 months. 

Can Sweet Chili Sauce Be Made Less Spicy?

Of course! It depends on your spice preference. If you want to make it less spicy, add ½ tsp of red chili. Vice versa!

Is Sweet Chili Sauce Gluten-free?

Usually, the sweet chili sauce comes gluten-free. However, it might not be the same depending on the brand of ingredients you apply. Some of the ingredients may contain gluten. So, you’ll have to make sure to apply the gluten-free ingredients if you want to make your sauce gluten-free sauce. 

Conclusion

This homemade sweet chili sauce is well customizable. So, you have no hazard in increasing or reducing the sweetness or heat. Besides, it’s completely free from any kind of harmful preservatives. Therefore, once you make it at home, you can use it several times for several dishes. 

Sweet chili sauce works as a perfect topping. So, glazing, dipping, and drizzling on your best dishes is easier and hassle-free with this spicy chili sauce.    

5 Essential Kitchen Tools for Sweet Chili Sauce 

Using the following tools, you can prepare your favorite sweet chili sauce in no time: 

1. Whisk or Stirring Spoon- Helps to blend ingredients smoothly, especially when adding cornstarch to prevent lumps. A whisk ensures a glossy and even texture. 

2. Saucepan or Small Pot– Anon-stick or stainless-steel saucepan is ideal for simmering the sauce. It’s also essential to prevent the sauce mixture from burning or sticking to the bottom. 

3. Garlic Press – Speeds up garlic preparation and ensures uniform minced garlic for consistent flavor in every bite

4. Heatproof Spatula – Perfect for scraping the sides of the pot to make sure nothing sticks or burns during your cooking time

Small Funnel (Optional)- Helps pour the sauce neatly into the jars without spilling, especially if the jar has a narrow mouth