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Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 32 reviews
  • Author: Elizabeth
  • Prep Time: 0h 5m
  • Cook Time: 0h 10m
  • Total Time: 0h 15m
  • Yield: Approximately 1 1/2 cups
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian

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

  1. 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.
  2. Dissolve sugar: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved into the mixture, ensuring a smooth blend.
  3. 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.
  4. Heat mixture: Continue stirring occasionally as the sauce heats to evenly distribute the ingredients.
  5. 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.
  6. Prepare cornstarch slurry: While simmering, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl until smooth to create a thickening agent.
  7. Add slurry to sauce: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
  8. Thicken sauce: Allow the sauce to cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring, until it reaches a desirable thickened consistency.
  9. Remove from heat: Once thickened, take the saucepan off the stove to stop the cooking process.
  10. Add fresh green onions: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped green onions to add a fresh, mild onion flavor and color.
  11. Cool the sauce: Let the sauce cool for a few minutes to reach room temperature before storing.
  12. Store: Transfer the sauce into a jar or container and refrigerate for up to two weeks.
  13. 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.