Description
This BEST Sweet Chili Sauce recipe is a versatile, flavorful condiment combining the perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and heat. Made with simple ingredients like rice vinegar, cane sugar, garlic, and chili, it’s ideal for dipping, glazing, or adding a spicy kick to your favorite dishes. The sauce is quick to prepare on the stovetop and can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Chili Sauce 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)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: Place all ingredients except the cornstarch mixture into a small saucepan. Stir well to combine all components evenly.
- Heat and dissolve sugar: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring regularly to ensure that the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture heats evenly.
- Thicken sauce: Once boiling and sugar has dissolved, slowly stir in the dissolved cornstarch mixture. Continue stirring constantly for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens noticeably.
- Cool and store: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool completely. Pour the cooled sauce into an airtight jar and refrigerate. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
Notes
- The sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to one week when stored properly in an airtight container.
- You can adjust the heat level by varying the amount of sambal oelek or dried chili flakes.
- For gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your rice vinegar is gluten-free.
- The natural red food coloring is optional and only for enhancing the sauce’s color.
- The cornstarch slurry helps the sauce thicken slightly but will continue thickening as it cools.
- This sauce is great as a dip for spring rolls, grilled meats, or as a glaze for stir-fries.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: Sweet Chili Sauce, Asian Sauce, Dipping Sauce, Gluten Free Sauce, Spicy Sauce, Sweet and Spicy Sauce, Homemade Sauce
