Description
This homemade Sweet Chili Sauce is a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors, made from scratch using rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. It’s thickened with cornstarch for a luscious texture, ideal as a dipping sauce, glaze, or accompaniment for a variety of dishes. Quick to prepare and easy to store, this versatile sauce adds a flavorful kick to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 cup rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
Dry & Flavorings
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Combine liquids and sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup rice vinegar, 1/2 cup water, and 1/2 cup sugar to create the base of the sauce.
- Dissolve sugar: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved into the mixture, ensuring a smooth blend.
- Add aromatics and seasoning: Stir in 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes to infuse the sauce with bold flavors.
- Heat mixture: Continue stirring occasionally as the sauce heats to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Simmer for flavor meld: Once the mixture starts to simmer, reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to deepen the flavor profile.
- Prepare cornstarch slurry: While simmering, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl until smooth to create a thickening agent.
- Add slurry to sauce: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Thicken sauce: Allow the sauce to cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring, until it reaches a desirable thickened consistency.
- Remove from heat: Once thickened, take the saucepan off the stove to stop the cooking process.
- Add fresh green onions: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped green onions to add a fresh, mild onion flavor and color.
- Cool the sauce: Let the sauce cool for a few minutes to reach room temperature before storing.
- Store: Transfer the sauce into a jar or container and refrigerate for up to two weeks.
- Serve: Use the sweet chili sauce as a dipping sauce, glaze, or accompaniment to enhance a wide range of dishes.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to desired spice level.
- The sauce thickens further upon cooling; thin with a little water if needed.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for freshness up to two weeks.
- Great paired with spring rolls, grilled meats, or stir-fries.
- Make sure to stir the slurry well before adding to avoid lumps.
