Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

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Homemade sweet chili sauce in a glass jar, glossy and thick, perfect for dipping spring rolls and drizzling over grilled dishes
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This Sweet Chili Sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy—trust me, you’re going to love it! It’s the kind of sauce that makes everything better, from spring rolls to chicken wings, or even drizzled over a simple stir-fry. Once you make it at home, you might never go back to store-bought again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: No complicated pantry staples—just a few things you probably already have.
  • Versatile: Great as a dipping sauce, glaze, or drizzle for all your favorite dishes.
  • Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to your taste, from mild and sweet to a little kick.
  • Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, perfect for last-minute meals.

Ingredients

Gather up these essentials for your homemade sweet chili sauce:

  • Red Chili Flakes: Adds a gentle heat to balance the sweetness.
  • Garlic: Infuses a fragrant, savory depth.
  • Rice Vinegar: Gives a tangy brightness to the sauce.
  • Sugar: Sweetens and balances the spice.
  • Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and thin the sauce.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to that perfect glossy consistency.
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors.

Exact ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card below the article.

How to Make the Sweet Chili Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, garlic, and red chili flakes. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 2: Add Vinegar

Pour in the rice vinegar and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the sauce starts to develop that tangy, irresistible flavor.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

Mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then slowly whisk it into the simmering sauce. Keep stirring until it thickens to a glossy, pourable consistency.

Step 4: Cool and Store

Remove from heat and let the sauce cool. Pour into a clean jar or bottle, and it’s ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Adjust Sweetness or Heat: Taste as you go and tweak sugar or chili flakes to your liking.
  • Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce a bright, fragrant punch.
  • Storage Tip: Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks—flavors improve as it sits.

How to Serve

  • Dipping Sauce: Perfect for spring rolls, dumplings, chicken tenders, or shrimp.
  • Glaze: Brush over grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a shiny, flavorful finish.
  • Drizzle: Add over noodles, stir-fries, or roasted vegetables for an extra punch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing

Pour into an ice cube tray to freeze individual portions for easy use later.

Reheating

Warm gently in a small pan over low heat before serving, or enjoy cold as a dip.

FAQs

1. Can I make this sauce spicier?
Absolutely! Increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a fresh chili for a bolder kick.

2. Can I use another type of vinegar?
Rice vinegar is best for that classic sweet chili flavor, but apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch.

3. Is this sauce vegan?
Yes! This recipe is 100% plant-based and naturally vegan.

4. How long does homemade sweet chili sauce last?
Stored in the fridge, it lasts about 2 weeks. The flavor actually deepens as it sits.

Homemade sweet chili sauce in a glass jar, glossy and thick, perfect for dipping spring rolls and drizzling over grilled dishes

Sweet Chili Sauce

A deliciously sweet and spicy chili sauce that’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, or glazing. Easy to make at home with just a few pantry ingredients.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 16 tablespoons
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 25
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tsp red chili flakes
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. In a saucepan, combine water, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and chili flakes.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan while whisking continuously.
  4. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
  5. Remove from heat and let cool. Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator.

Notes

You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the chili flakes. For extra flavor, add finely chopped fresh red chilies.

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