Description
Homemade sweet chili sauce elevates simple dishes with its perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Crafted with simple ingredients, this sauce brings zesty Thai-inspired flavors to your kitchen, promising to become a staple condiment you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- ½ cup (118 milliliters) water
- ½ cup (118 milliliters) rice vinegar
- ⅓ cup (66 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) ketchup
Seasonings and Spices:
- 12 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
Thickening Agent:
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) water
Instructions
- Create a flavor-packed base by whisking together water, rice vinegar, sugar, honey, fish sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan.
- Heat the mixture over medium temperature, gently stirring until sugar completely dissolves and ingredients meld into a harmonious liquid.
- Prepare a smooth cornstarch binding agent by blending cornstarch with water in a separate small vessel until no lumps remain.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce, continuously stirring to prevent clumping and ensure even thickening.
- Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce, watching as it transforms into a glossy, rich consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove the saucepan from heat, letting the sweet chili sauce cool naturally. The liquid will continue to thicken and develop deeper flavors as it reaches room temperature.
- Carefully transfer the cooled sauce into a clean glass jar or sealed container, refrigerating to preserve its vibrant taste and texture for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, making the sauce mild or spicy according to personal preference.
- Swap honey with agave nectar for a vegan alternative that maintains similar sweetness and consistency.
- Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for a gluten-free thickening option that creates an equally smooth sauce texture.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding a splash of lime juice or a dash of sriracha for extra depth and tanginess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg