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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Incorporate red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, soy sauce, and vinegar into the syrup, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
- Add minced garlic to the sauce, stirring to integrate and release aromatic notes.
- Create a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch and water in a separate small bowl until smooth and free of lumps.
- Gradually pour the cornstarch mixture into the sauce, stirring constantly to prevent clumping and promote even thickening.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reach a desired consistency and the cornstarch to cook through.
- Remove from heat and let the sweet chili sauce cool to room temperature, which will further enhance its texture and flavor profile.
- 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