Sweet Chilli Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavor
• Easy homemade condiment
• Perfect for dipping, glazing, or marinating
• Simple pantry ingredients
• Better freshness than store-bought versions
• Customizable spice level
• Great for many dishes and appetizers

Ingredients

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

• red chili peppers
• garlic
• sugar
• rice vinegar
• water
• cornstarch
• salt

Optional additions:

• ginger
• soy sauce
• lime juice
• red pepper flakes
• honey

Directions

1. Finely chop the chili peppers and garlic.
2. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, rice vinegar, water, garlic, and chili peppers.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
4. Stir occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves.
5. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry.
6. Slowly stir the slurry into the sauce.
7. Continue simmering until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
8. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
9. Transfer the sauce to a jar or airtight container.
10. Serve as a dip, glaze, or sauce.

Servings and timing

• Servings: About 1 cup
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add ginger for extra warmth and flavor.
• Use honey instead of part of the sugar.
• Add lime juice for brighter citrus flavor.
• Increase chili peppers for a spicier sauce.
• Add soy sauce for deeper savory flavor.
• Blend the sauce for a smoother texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store sweet chilli sauce in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

To reheat:

• Warm gently in a saucepan or microwave if needed.

Stir before using if separation occurs.

FAQs

What does sweet chilli sauce taste like?

It’s sweet, tangy, mildly spicy, and slightly garlicky.

What chili peppers work best?

Red Thai chilies or red Fresno peppers work very well.

Can I make it less spicy?

Yes, remove the seeds or use milder peppers.

Why use cornstarch?

Cornstarch thickens the sauce and gives it a glossy texture.

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar?

Yes, though rice vinegar gives the most authentic flavor.

Is sweet chilli sauce very spicy?

It usually has mild to medium heat depending on the peppers used.

What foods pair well with sweet chilli sauce?

Spring rolls, chicken, shrimp, fries, noodles, and grilled meats all pair perfectly.

Can I freeze sweet chilli sauce?

Yes, freeze it in small airtight containers for up to 2 months.

How do I make the sauce smoother?

Blend the sauce after cooking if you prefer a smooth texture.

Can I use this as a marinade?

Absolutely. It works wonderfully as a glaze or marinade for meats and vegetables.

Conclusion

Sweet Chilli Sauce is a flavorful homemade condiment that adds the perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and heat to countless dishes. Easy to prepare and incredibly versatile, it’s ideal for dipping, glazing, or marinating. Whether served with appetizers or used in cooking, this simple sauce brings bold flavor and vibrant taste to every meal.

Sweet Chilli Sauce

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Sweet Chilli Sauce is a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy condiment perfect for dipping, glazing, or marinating. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this homemade sauce delivers fresh flavor and a glossy finish that pairs beautifully with appetizers, grilled dishes, and stir-fries.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 1 cup
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

• 6 red chili peppers, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup rice vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water for cornstarch slurry
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
• 1 tsp soy sauce (optional)
• 1 tbsp lime juice (optional)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp honey (optional)

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Instructions

1. Finely chop the chili peppers and garlic.
2. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, rice vinegar, water, garlic, chili peppers, and salt.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
4. Stir occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves.
5. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
6. Slowly stir the slurry into the sauce while stirring continuously.
7. Continue simmering for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
8. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
9. Transfer the sauce to a jar or airtight container.
10. Serve as a dip, glaze, marinade, or sauce.

Notes

• Use red Thai chilies or Fresno peppers for the best flavor and color.
• Remove chili seeds for a milder sauce.
• Add ginger or lime juice for extra depth and brightness.
• Blend the sauce after cooking if you prefer a smoother texture.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container.
• Freeze in small airtight containers for up to 2 months.
• Stir before using if separation occurs.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
• Calories: 45 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg