Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to make
Perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors
Made with simple pantry staples
Versatile for dipping, glazing, and cooking
Easily customizable to your preferred heat level
Free from unnecessary preservatives
Stores well for future use

Ingredients

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

1 cup water
½ cup rice vinegar
¾ cup granulated sugar
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 red chillies, finely chopped
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water (for the cornstarch slurry)
½ teaspoon salt

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine the water, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, chopped chillies, and salt.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Stir occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to develop flavor.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while whisking continuously.
Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Allow the sauce to cool completely.
Transfer the sauce to a clean jar or bottle and refrigerate until ready to use.

Servings and timing

Servings: 16
Yield: About 1½ cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Extra-Spicy Sweet Chilli Sauce: Add additional fresh chillies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Garlic Lovers’ Version: Double the amount of garlic for a more robust flavor.
Honey Sweet Chilli Sauce: Replace part of the sugar with honey for a richer sweetness.
Ginger Sweet Chilli Sauce: Add freshly grated ginger for extra warmth and depth.
Pineapple Sweet Chilli Sauce: Stir in a small amount of pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
Low-Sugar Version: Reduce the sugar slightly for a less sweet sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage

Store the sauce in an airtight container or bottle in the refrigerator.
It will remain fresh for up to 3 weeks.
Shake or stir before each use if separation occurs.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a small saucepan over low heat if desired.
Alternatively, warm individual portions in the microwave using short intervals.
Avoid boiling, as excessive heat may alter the consistency.

FAQs

What is Sweet Chilli Sauce?

Sweet Chilli Sauce is a sweet and mildly spicy condiment typically made with sugar, vinegar, garlic, chillies, and a thickening agent.

How spicy is Sweet Chilli Sauce?

It is generally mild to medium in heat, though the spice level can be adjusted by using more or fewer chillies.

Can I use dried chilli flakes instead of fresh chillies?

Yes, dried chilli flakes can be substituted, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly.

Why is cornstarch used in the recipe?

Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, giving it the glossy consistency associated with traditional sweet chilli sauce.

What foods pair well with Sweet Chilli Sauce?

It pairs beautifully with spring rolls, chicken, shrimp, grilled meats, vegetables, sandwiches, and rice dishes.

Can I make the sauce less sweet?

Yes, reducing the sugar is possible, though it will change the overall flavor balance.

Can I freeze Sweet Chilli Sauce?

Yes, it can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Why did my sauce become too thick?

The sauce may have been cooked too long or too much cornstarch may have been added. A small amount of water can help thin it out.

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar?

Yes, apple cider vinegar works well and provides a slightly fruitier flavor.

How long does homemade Sweet Chilli Sauce last?

When properly refrigerated in a sealed container, it typically stays fresh for up to 3 weeks.

Conclusion

Sweet Chilli Sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that adds the perfect blend of sweetness, tanginess, and gentle heat to countless dishes. Whether used as a dipping sauce, marinade, glaze, or cooking ingredient, its vibrant flavor enhances everything it touches. Easy to make and highly customizable, this homemade version is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Sweet Chilli Sauce

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Sweet Chilli Sauce is a glossy, sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy condiment made with chillies, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. Perfect for dipping, glazing, and drizzling, this homemade version is fresh, flavorful, and easy to customize.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 16 servings (about 1 1/2 cups)
Category: Condiment
Method: Simmer
Cuisine: Asian
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

1 cup water
1/2 cup rice vinegar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 red chillies, finely chopped
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water (for the cornstarch slurry)
1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

In a small saucepan, combine the water, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, chopped chillies, and salt.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Stir occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to develop flavor.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while whisking continuously.
Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Allow the sauce to cool completely.
Transfer the sauce to a clean jar or bottle and refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

Add extra chillies or cayenne pepper for a spicier sauce.
Double the garlic for a more robust garlic flavor.
Replace part of the sugar with honey for a richer sweetness.
Add freshly grated ginger for additional depth and warmth.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Shake or stir before use if separation occurs.
A small amount of water can be added if the sauce becomes too thick.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 45 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 75 mg
Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Fiber: 0.1 g
Protein: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg