Zesty Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Crafting a delectable homemade chili garlic sauce opens up a world of vibrant culinary possibilities.

Passionate home cooks understand the magic of creating condiments from scratch.

Fresh ingredients become the heart of this zesty blend.

Spicy and aromatic, the sauce promises to revolutionize your kitchen adventures.

Each carefully chopped pepper and garlic clove contributes depth and character.

Bold flavors dance together, creating a condiment that elevates simple dishes.

Prepare to embark on a flavor journey that will awaken your taste buds and inspire endless creativity.

What Goes Well with Chili Garlic Sauce

Elevate stir-fries, dumplings, and noodle dishes with this homemade chili garlic sauce, adding a vibrant kick of heat and depth of flavor that complements bold Asian cuisines.

Drizzle over grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to transform simple proteins into zesty, mouth-watering meals that burst with garlic and chili intensity.

Use as a dynamic condiment for spring rolls, dumplings, sandwiches, and burgers, creating an instant flavor upgrade that adds exciting heat and complexity to everyday foods.

Mix into marinades for meats and vegetables, infusing dishes with a spicy-tangy profile that brings an irresistible punch of flavor to your cooking.

How to Store Chili Garlic Sauce Properly

• Store the homemade chili garlic sauce in a clean, airtight glass jar. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks, ensuring the lid is tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Pour the sauce into small freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. Freeze for up to 3 months, allowing you to thaw individual portions as needed without wasting the entire batch.
• Warm the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Alternatively, microwave in short 10-15 second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• What type of peppers work best for this chili garlic sauce?

Red chili peppers like fresno, red jalapeños, or red serrano peppers are ideal. Choose fresh, vibrant peppers with no blemishes for the best flavor and heat level.

• How long will the homemade chili garlic sauce last in the refrigerator?

When stored in a sterilized, airtight container, the sauce can last up to 4-6 weeks. Always check for any signs of spoilage before using and keep it refrigerated.

• Can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?

Yes, you can control the heat by removing seeds from the peppers for a milder sauce or keeping them for extra spiciness. Start with fewer seeds and gradually increase to find your perfect heat level.

Why Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce Boosts Flavor

• Customize Heat Levels: Control the spiciness by adjusting the number of chili pepper seeds, making this sauce perfect for every heat tolerance from mild to wild.
• Craft Your Condiment: Create a homemade sauce with fresh ingredients, avoiding preservatives and artificial additives found in store-bought versions.
• Versatile Kitchen Companion: Enhance numerous dishes like stir-fries, marinades, dips, and sandwiches with this zesty, vibrant sauce that adds instant flavor complexity.
• Simple Preservation Method: Store the sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator, enjoying your homemade creation for several weeks without compromising taste or quality.

Ingredients for Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce

• Red Chili Peppers: Fresh peppers that provide the signature heat and vibrant color of the chili garlic sauce.
• Garlic Cloves: Aromatic ingredient that adds a sharp, pungent flavor to the sauce.

• Salt, Sugar: Enhance the overall flavor profile and balance the heat of the peppers.
• Vinegar: Adds tanginess and helps preserve the sauce.

• Cornstarch, Water: Create a smooth, slightly thickened consistency for the sauce.

How to Make Chili Garlic Sauce at Home

Step 1: Wash and Chop Peppers

Grab your fresh red chili peppers and give them a thorough rinse under cool water. Slice off the stems and chop the peppers into rough pieces.

Want a milder kick? Remove the seeds.

Craving more heat? Leave those seeds in for an extra spicy punch.

Step 2: Blend Flavor Explosion

• Peeled garlic cloves
• Salt
• Sugar
• Vinegar
• Water

Pulse the mixture until it reaches a chunky texture that promises bold flavor.

Step 3: Create Texture Magic

Scoop out a quarter cup of the chunky blend and set it aside. Continue blending the remaining mixture until silky smooth.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Depth

Pour the smooth sauce into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the reserved chunky mixture.

Let the sauce simmer gently, allowing the flavors to mingle and dance.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry.

When the sauce is bubbling softly, pour in the cornstarch mixture. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce transforms into a perfect, clingy consistency.

Step 6: Cool and Preserve

Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool completely. Carefully transfer the cooled sauce into a sterilized jar or airtight container.

Seal tight and pop it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and ready for your next culinary adventure.

Tips for Perfect Chili Garlic Sauce

• Select vibrant, firm red chili peppers without blemishes to ensure the best flavor and heat intensity for your homemade sauce.
• Remove seeds for a milder sauce or keep them for extra heat, giving you complete control over the spiciness of your chili garlic sauce.
• Create depth by reserving a portion of chunky mixture before blending the rest smooth, which adds interesting texture and visual appeal to the sauce.
• Use sterilized glass jars and seal tightly to preserve the sauce's freshness, ensuring it remains delicious for several weeks in the refrigerator.
• Use cornstarch slurry to achieve the perfect sauce consistency without altering the original flavor profile of your homemade chili garlic sauce.

Creative Twists on Chili Garlic Sauce

• Spicy Green Chili Variation: Swap red chili peppers with jalapeños or serrano peppers for a vibrant green color and different heat profile.
• Roasted Pepper Blend: Char peppers on a grill or under the broiler before blending to add a smoky depth and complex flavor.
• Low-Sodium Option: Replace salt with a small amount of low-sodium soy sauce or use salt-free seasoning blend for health-conscious individuals.
• Herb-Infused Chili Sauce: Add fresh cilantro, basil, or mint during blending to create an aromatic and herbaceous version of the sauce.

Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Spicy homemade chili garlic sauce brings fiery flavor straight from your kitchen to the plate. Balanced heat and robust garlic notes promise an authentic condiment that elevates meals with simple, bold ingredients you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Peppers:

• 8 ounces (225 grams) red chili peppers (such as red jalapenos or Fresnos)

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 heads of garlic, peeled
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Liquids and Thickeners:

• 1/3 cup (80 ml) white distilled vinegar
• 2 tablespoons water, divided
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse the red chili peppers under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Trim off the stems and chop the peppers coarsely. Decide on heat level by removing seeds for a milder sauce or keeping them for intense spiciness.
3. Load the chopped peppers, garlic cloves, salt, sugar, vinegar, and water into a blender or food processor.
4. Pulse the ingredients until they form a rustic, chunky texture.
5. Carefully separate and reserve a quarter cup of the coarse mixture for later use.
6. Continue processing the remaining mixture until it transforms into a silky, smooth consistency.
7. Transfer the velvety sauce into a saucepan, heating it over medium flame.
8. Introduce the reserved chunky pepper mixture into the pan, stirring gently.
9. Allow the sauce to reach a gentle simmer, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
10. Create a cornstarch slurry by whisking water and cornstarch in a separate small bowl.
11. Once the sauce is bubbling softly, pour in the cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly.
12. Maintain continuous stirring for 1-2 minutes until the sauce reaches a desirable thickness.
13. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool completely at room temperature.
14. Carefully decant the cooled sauce into a sterilized glass jar or airtight container.
15. Secure the lid tightly and refrigerate to preserve freshness and flavor.

Notes

• Choose peppers with vibrant color and firm texture for maximum flavor intensity.
• Wear gloves when handling hot peppers to prevent skin irritation or accidental eye contact.
• Adjust spice levels by selecting different chili pepper varieties like jalapeño, serrano, or habanero.
• Clean and sterilize storage jars thoroughly to extend sauce shelf life and prevent bacterial growth.
• Experiment with additional ingredients like ginger, lime zest, or sesame oil for unique flavor profiles.
• Homemade sauce can be stored in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, developing deeper flavors over time.
• Use as a condiment, marinade, or cooking sauce for various Asian and fusion dishes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 16 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 474 mg
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 0.6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg