Dessert

Best Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

Name: Best Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/3 cup rice vinegar; 1/3 cup water; 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons cane sugar (or granular sweetener of choice, e.g., erythritol, for sugar-free alternative); 1 tablespoon rice wine (can substitute dry sherry); 1 tablespoon sambal oelek (adjust to taste) OR 1–2 teaspoons dried red chili flakes (very hot, start with less); 1 1/2 teaspoons finely minced garlic; 1 teaspoon finely minced ginger; 1 teaspoon tamari or soy sauce (use tamari for gluten free); 2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water; 1–2 drops natural red food coloring (optional)

ByIsabella Vance October 26, 2025October 26, 2025

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Introduction

This BEST Sweet Chili Sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that elevate any dish. Easy to make at home, it’s ideal as a dipping sauce or a glaze. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you’ll have a versatile sauce ready in minutes.

A close-up view of a clear glass jar filled with a thick, shiny bright red chili sauce that has visible small white and black chili seeds and tiny bits of chili flakes mixed evenly throughout. A silver spoon rests inside the jar, dipping into the sauce and holding a small amount that reflects light with a smooth, glossy texture. The jar sits on a white marbled surface, with part of a red and white cloth visible in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/3 cup rice vinegar
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons cane sugar (or granular sweetener of choice like erythritol for a sugar-free alternative)
1 tablespoon rice wine (can substitute dry sherry)
1 tablespoon sambal oelek (adjust to taste) or 1-2 teaspoons dried red chili flakes (start with less as they are very hot)
1 1/2 teaspoons finely minced garlic
1 teaspoon finely minced ginger
1 teaspoon tamari or soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
1-2 drops natural red food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Place all ingredients except the cornstarch mixture into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring regularly until the sugar fully dissolves.
Step 2: Stir in the cornstarch mixture continuously and cook for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
Step 3: Pour the cooled sauce into an airtight jar and store in the refrigerator.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing sambal oelek or chili flakes according to your spice preference.
For a gluten-free version, always use tamari instead of soy sauce.
If you like a smoother texture, blend the sauce briefly after cooking.
Add a splash of lime juice for a citrusy twist before serving.

Storage

Store the sauce in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. The sauce will thicken further when cooled. Reheat gently if you want to use it warm, but it’s also delicious served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A clear glass jar filled with bright red chili sauce containing small white and red chili seeds and bits of chili flakes, with a silver spoon resting inside the jar showing the sauce’s shiny, slightly thick texture. The jar is placed on a white marbled surface, and a red and white cloth is partly visible in the background, giving a fresh and spicy look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sweet chili sauce vegan?

Yes, this sauce is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products.

What can I use if I don’t have sambal oelek?

You can substitute with dried red chili flakes or any chili paste you prefer, adjusting the quantity to suit your desired spice level.