Hey there! If you’re looking to bring serious flavor heat into your kitchen, this chili garlic sauce recipe is your new best friend. I first stumbled upon this vibrant condiment during a sizzling summer gathering with friends in New York, where no dish was complete without a spicy kick. Whether you’re drizzling it over stir-fry, mixing into marinades, or just spreading it on toast, this sauce turns the everyday into extraordinary. It’s quick, bold, and seriously addictive, a perfect weeknight game-changer or party hero.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Chili Garlic Sauce Recipe
Okay, real talk, this chili garlic sauce recipe is a total flavor bomb. It’s easy, fiery, and goes with pretty much everything. I started making it when I got tired of store-bought sauces that were too sweet or packed with weird additives, and wow, homemade is a whole different level.
Here’s why it works so well:
- Simple, real ingredients. Just fresh chiles, garlic, vinegar, and pantry staples.
- Adjustable heat. Keep it mild or crank up the spice, it’s all up to you.
- Super versatile. Stir it into noodles, spoon it over grilled meats, or use it as a dip.
- Naturally gluten-free and vegan. Great for all kinds of eaters.
- Endlessly customizable. Add your own twist for sweet, smoky, or tangy variations.
Once you try this chili garlic sauce recipe, you’ll be reaching for it every chance you get!
How to Make it
Chili Garlic Sauce Recipe
1.5
cups10
minutes8
minutes35
kcalA bold, tangy, and spicy homemade condiment for turning everyday dishes into flavor sensations.
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Ingredients
12 red chiles, roughly chopped
8 garlic cloves, chopped
0.25 cup vinegar (white or rice)
2 tbsp sugar (or honey)
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp neutral oil
0.5 cup water
Directions
- Prep the chiles and garlic (5 mins) Wash chiles; trim stems. Use gloves if you’re sensitive to spice! Roughly chop chiles and garlic.
- Sauté aromatics (3 mins) Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and chiles, stirring until fragrant (about 1–2 minutes). Be careful, they brown quickly!
- Simmer with vinegar (5 mins) Add vinegar, sugar, salt, and water. Stir to dissolve sugar. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower heat and simmer for 3 minutes, just enough to soften the chiles.
- Blend sauce (2 mins) Let the mixture cool slightly. Transfer to a blender or food processor, then pulse a few times for chunky sauce. Blend longer for smoother texture.
- Taste and adjust (1 min) Check seasoning, add more salt, sugar, or vinegar if needed.
- Store sauce Pour into a sterilized glass jar. It keeps in the fridge for 2–3 weeks (or longer if you add a little oil on top).
Notes
- Store refrigerated for 3 weeks or freeze portions for longer shelf life.
- Adjust heat by adding/removing chiles or seeds.
- If your chiles are super fresh and not red enough, simmer a bit longer or stir in some tomato paste for color!
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 35kcal
- Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 0.5g
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Pro Tips to Make Your Chili Garlic Sauce Even Better
Before you dive in, here are a few little nuggets of wisdom I’ve picked up after making this sauce a lot (like, I-could-make-it-in-my-sleep level). These tips will help you avoid the most common hiccups and get that perfect punch of flavor every time:
- Use fresh red chiles for the brightest, boldest taste, older or dried ones won’t give the same kick.
- Don’t overcook the garlic, it turns bitter fast! Just sauté until it’s fragrant.
- Want a smoother sauce? Strain it after blending for that restaurant-style silky finish.
- Freeze leftovers in ice cube trays, perfect for popping into dishes when you need a flavor boost!
- Make it your own! Adjust sweetness, tang, or salt depending on your taste buds.
Fun Ways to Switch Up This Sauce
One of the things I love most about this chili garlic sauce recipe is how easy it is to riff on. You can tweak it depending on your mood, your meal, or just what you have lying around. Here are a few fun variations to play with:
- Smoky Chipotle Twist: Swap out half the fresh chiles for chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. You’ll get a smoky, sultry heat that’s amazing in tacos and chili.
- Sweet & Spicy Mango: Add some diced ripe mango to the blender. It brings tropical sweetness and pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish.
- Garlic Lover’s Version: If you’re a true garlic fiend, bump it up to 10 cloves for that deep, garlicky goodness.
- Asian-Inspired Umami Kick: Stir in a splash of soy sauce or tamari and a drizzle of sesame oil. It’s like magic for noodles and stir-fries.
- Mild & Tangy Tomato Blend: Blend in a spoonful of tomato paste to tone down the spice and boost the tang. Great for family-friendly meals!
How to Store and Keep It Fresh
Made a big batch? Awesome, you’re going to want this stuff on hand all the time. Here’s how to make sure it stays fresh and flavorful for as long as possible:
- In the fridge: Store in a clean, sealed glass jar and it’ll last up to 3 weeks. Adding a thin layer of oil on top helps preserve it even longer.
- In the freezer: Pour into ice cube trays, freeze, then transfer cubes into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 6 months.
- To reheat or use: Just let it come to room temp or warm slightly in a pan if needed, no need to boil it again.
FAQs About Chili Garlic Sauce Recipe
Absolutely. Use sugar or honey (both gluten‑free), and skip soy sauce unless you choose tamari.
Rice vinegar adds a gentle sweetness; white vinegar gives sharper tang. Both work well, choose based on taste preference.
You can, but soak them first. The flavor will be smokier and less bright than with fresh.
Remove the seeds or reduce the number of chiles. You can also add extra sugar or a splash of tomato paste to mellow it out.
Likely from overheating garlic, keep it light and stir frequently, or sauté just until fragrant.
Let’s Wrap It Up
Okay, friend, I hope this homemade chili garlic sauce recipe has sprinkled a little magic into your kitchen. It’s simple to make, bold in flavor, and oh-so-versatile. Whether you’re drizzling it over noodles, brushing it onto wings, or stirring it into dips, this sauce is here to elevate your meals in the most delicious way.
If you’re loving this, you’ll also enjoy these related gems:
- Try my sweet chili sauce recipe for a fruity, sticky twist.
- Craving more homemade condiments? The hot honey recipe is the perfect sweet-spicy partner for your sauce.
Thanks so much for cooking along with me! Don’t forget to drop a comment or tag me on social, can’t wait to see how you use it. Until next time, keep those flavors bold and your kitchen happy!
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