If there’s one condiment I always keep in my fridge, it’s sweet chili sauce. You know the one, sticky, glossy, just spicy enough to tingle your tongue, and sweet enough to make you keep dipping. I fell in love with it during a late-night Thai takeout binge years ago, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. But here’s the secret: homemade sweet chili sauce is ridiculously easy to make, and once you try it, you’ll never go back to the store-bought bottle again.
This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, party appetizers, or when you need a killer dip in a flash. The flavor is a beautiful balance of tangy vinegar, gentle heat from red pepper flakes, and a garlicky sweetness that makes everything taste better, whether you’re dunking crispy spring rolls or glazing grilled chicken.
Table of contents
Why This Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe Totally Works
There are a ton of sweet chili sauces out there, but this homemade version hits different. Here’s why:
- Better Than Store-Bought: You get to control the sweetness, spice, and thickness, plus no preservatives.
- Crazy Quick: It’s ready in 10 to 15 minutes, tops.
- Super Versatile: Use it as a dip, drizzle, glaze, or marinade.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples, and you’ll probably already have everything on hand.
- Customizable: Vegan? Gluten-free? Low sugar? No problem, see the tips below.
Easy Tweaks for Every Diet:
- Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, no need to change a thing.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce (or skip it).
- Low Sugar: Replace sugar with a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol (though texture may slightly change).
- Extra Heat: Add more red chili flakes or a dash of sriracha.
Recipe Card
Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe
Course: SidesCuisine: ThaiDifficulty: Easy1
cup2
minutes10
minutes40
kcalA quick and easy Thai-style sweet chili sauce with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy. Great as a dip, glaze, or drizzle.
Ingredients
½ cup rice vinegar
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water
1 tbsp soy sauce (optional)
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp red chili flakes
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water (for slurry)
Directions
- Combine the base (2 minutes): In a small saucepan, mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, water, soy sauce, garlic, and chili flakes. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
- Simmer and infuse (5 minutes): Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 4 to 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Thicken it up (3 minutes): While it simmers, mix your cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens into that perfect syrupy consistency.
- Cool and store (5 minutes): Let the sauce cool slightly before transferring it into a clean jar or bottle. It will thicken more as it cools.
Notes
- Want more tang? Add a splash of vinegar. More sweet? Toss in a bit more sugar.
- Watch out: Cornstarch thickens fast. Keep stirring so you don’t end up with lumps!
- For more spice, add extra chili flakes or sriracha.
Pro Tips to Nail Your Sweet Chili Sauce Every Time
Let’s make sure your sauce turns out amazing:
- Don’t walk away during thickening: Cornstarch acts quickly, and you’ll want to catch that moment when it hits that glossy, perfect texture.
- Go slow with the heat: If the sauce boils too hard, it may caramelize and change flavor. Keep it to a simmer.
- Use fresh garlic: Minced garlic straight from the bulb has a punch that jarred garlic just can’t match.
- Double it: It keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, so you might as well make a bigger batch!
Fun Variations to Try
- Spicy Thai Version: Add a spoonful of sambal oelek or sriracha for a bigger heat punch and deeper flavor. Great for dipping chicken satay!
- Honey-Sweetened Version: Replace the sugar with honey for a more floral, rich sweetness. It changes the color slightly but is incredible on grilled shrimp or salmon.
- Pineapple Chili Sauce: Add ¼ cup of pineapple juice and reduce the sugar slightly. This one’s a tropical dream and perfect for tofu skewers.
- Citrus Chili Glaze: Add a teaspoon of orange zest and a squeeze of fresh orange juice. Great for glazing pork or roasted vegetables.
FAQs About Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe
Mild to medium, it has a gentle heat. You can adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the chili flakes.
Yes! Most homemade versions are vegan-friendly. Just make sure to use vegan sugar if you’re strict.
White vinegar or apple cider vinegar works too. Rice vinegar is just a bit milder and more traditional.
Too thick? Add a splash of water. Too thin? Simmer it longer or add a little more cornstarch slurry.
This isn’t a canning-safe recipe, but it freezes well in small portions.
That’s a Wrap, Now Go Slather It on Everything!
If you made it this far, I hope you’re already dreaming of everything you’re going to dip, drizzle, or glaze with your homemade sweet chili sauce. It’s such a satisfying feeling to whip up your own condiment that’s bursting with flavor and free of mystery ingredients. From crispy chicken to tofu stir-fries, it truly upgrades any meal.
If you’re craving more homemade sauces, check out this tangy and savory garlic parmesan sauce recipe or spice things up with my easy hot honey recipe. Want to keep the Thai vibes going? You have to try my mango sticky rice recipe for dessert!
If you give this recipe a try, let us know how it turns out, drop a comment or tag us in your saucy creations. Happy cooking, friends!
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