Easy Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe: Homemade Spicy-Sweet Magic

Tangy and vibrant sweet chili sauce dances across taste buds with irresistible charm.

Home cooks have long cherished this versatile condiment that brings bold flavor to countless dishes.

The sweet chili sauce recipe offers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that elevates simple meals.

Crafted with simple ingredients, this sauce packs a punch of complex flavors that surprise and delight.

Fresh herbs and carefully selected spices blend seamlessly to create a condiment that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.

Each batch promises a homemade touch that store-bought versions can never match.

You’ll want to drizzle this sauce on everything from grilled meats to crispy appetizers, making every bite a celebration of flavor.

Why Sweet Chili Sauce Adds So Much Flavor

• Simplify Snacking: Toss all ingredients into a crockpot for an incredibly easy appetizer that requires minimal prep and cleanup.
• Crowd-Pleaser Potential: Perfect for game days, parties, and potlucks where people want a delicious dip that everyone can enjoy together.
• Customize with Ease: Swap in different cheeses, add extra spices, or include optional mix-ins like chopped jalapeños or crispy bacon to make the recipe your own.
• Versatile Serving Style: Pair with tortilla chips, fresh vegetable sticks, or crusty bread for a flexible snack that adapts to any crowd's preferences.

Ingredients for Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce

• Water: Creates the liquid foundation for the sweet chili sauce.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the syrup base.

• Red Pepper Flakes, Smoked Paprika: Add heat and smoky depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Brings a pungent and aromatic flavor to the sauce.

• Soy Sauce, Vinegar: Contribute tangy and umami notes to balance the sweetness.

• Cornstarch, Water: Helps create a smooth and glossy consistency for the sauce.

Steps to Mix Up Sweet Chili Sauce

Step 1: Create Syrup Base

Grab a saucepan and pour in water and sugar. Heat the mixture until it reaches a rolling boil, stirring consistently to help sugar completely dissolve.

Keep stirring until the liquid becomes clear and smooth.

Step 2: Build Flavor Profile

• Red pepper flakes
• Smoked paprika
• Soy sauce
• Vinegar

Stir the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring they blend well.

Toss in minced garlic and continue mixing to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 3: Thicken The Sauce

Prepare a cornstarch slurry by combining cornstarch and water in a separate small bowl.

Whisk until smooth with no lumps. Gradually pour the slurry into the sauce while stirring continuously.

Keep stirring until the sauce reaches a slightly thick, glossy consistency.

Step 4: Cool And Serve

Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sweet chili sauce cool down to room temperature.

The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Transfer to a clean jar or serving container.

Refrigerate if not using immediately. Enjoy as a dipping sauce, glaze, or condiment.

Tips for Sweet and Spicy Chili Sauce Fans

• Toast red pepper flakes and smoked paprika in a dry pan before adding to enhance their smoky, complex taste.
• Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to make the sauce mild, medium, or fiery hot according to personal preference.
• Gradually add cornstarch slurry while constantly stirring to prevent lumps and achieve smooth, glossy consistency.
• Keep sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
• Replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version without compromising the sauce's rich umami profile.

Ways to Use Sweet Chili Sauce Creatively

• Spicy Sriracha Swap: Replace red pepper flakes with sriracha sauce for an extra kick of heat and tangy flavor.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar to reduce calorie content and make it diabetic-friendly.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to create a gluten-free sweet chili sauce.
• Asian-Inspired Blend: Add ginger and lemongrass for a more complex, traditional Southeast Asian taste profile.

Snacks That Go Well With Chili Sauce

• Elevate Heat with Crisp Riesling: Balance the sweet chili sauce's spiciness with a cool, slightly sweet German Riesling that softens the pepper's intensity and complements the sauce's complex flavor profile.
• Pair with Grilled Proteins: Brush the sweet chili sauce on grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to create a delectable caramelized coating that brings out the sauce's rich, tangy notes and adds depth to the protein.
• Serve Alongside Fresh Spring Rolls: Use the sweet chili sauce as a dipping condiment for fresh Vietnamese or Thai-style spring rolls, where its vibrant, zesty character cuts through the rolls' fresh vegetables and provides a punchy contrast.

Keeping Sweet Chili Sauce Fresh

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pour sauce into ice cube trays or small freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving flavor and texture.
• Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain smooth consistency. Add a splash of water if sauce thickens too much.
• Heat in short 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent uneven heating and maintain sauce's original texture.

FAQs

• What is the purpose of the cornstarch slurry in this sweet chili sauce?

The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce, giving it a smooth, glossy texture and preventing it from being too runny.

• Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?

Yes, you can control the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste preference.

• How long does the sweet chili sauce typically last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the sauce can last up to 2 weeks, maintaining its fresh flavor and quality.

• Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the sweet chili sauce is vegetarian-friendly, using only plant-based ingredients like sugar, vinegar, and spices.

Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Spice-packed sweet chili sauce brings Mexican street food magic right to home kitchens. Homemade condiment perfection delivers bold flavors that elevate grilled meats, tacos, and appetizers with delicious zesty charm you can’t resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) vinegar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons minced garlic

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Instructions

1. Pour water and sugar into a saucepan, heating over medium-high heat until the mixture reaches a rolling boil, stirring continuously to ensure complete sugar dissolution.
2. Incorporate red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, soy sauce, and vinegar into the syrup, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
3. Add minced garlic to the sauce, stirring to integrate and release aromatic notes.
4. Create a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch and water in a separate small bowl until smooth and free of lumps.
5. Gradually pour the cornstarch mixture into the sauce, stirring constantly to prevent clumping and promote even thickening.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reach a desired consistency and the cornstarch to cook through.
7. Remove from heat and let the sweet chili sauce cool to room temperature, which will further enhance its texture and flavor profile.
8. Transfer to a serving container or storage jar, ready to accompany your favorite dishes.

Notes

• Toast the red pepper flakes and smoked paprika in a dry pan before adding to the syrup to enhance their depth and release more intense flavor profiles.
• Create a smoother texture by straining the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking, removing garlic bits for a silky consistency.
• Adjust heat levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes; use mild pepper flakes for less spice or add fresh chili for extra kick.
• Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, allowing flavors to meld and develop more complexity over time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg