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Sweet Chili Sauce

Featured in Italian Starters to Begin Your Meal.

This homemade sweet chili sauce is a blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. Crafted with simple ingredients like rice vinegar, honey, red pepper flakes, and ginger, it’s a versatile addition to any dish. Use as a dip, glaze, or stir-fry enhancer. Achieve the perfect consistency with a cornstarch slurry and enjoy a sauce that’s tastier and fresher than store-bought. Customize the spice level to your taste and elevate your meals with this easy and delicious condiment.

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Updated on Fri, 28 Mar 2025 08:30:44 GMT
Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe Pin it
Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe | recipesvaleria.com

This homemade sweet chili sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. It elevates everything from spring rolls to grilled chicken, making ordinary meals extraordinary with just a spoonful. I started making this after being disappointed by the overly sweet store versions, and now my family refuses to go back to the bottled stuff.

I first created this sauce when planning an Asian-inspired dinner party where I needed something special for spring rolls. What began as a last-minute solution has become my signature condiment that friends regularly request the recipe for.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe Pin it
Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe | recipesvaleria.com

My personal favorite element is the balance of fresh garlic and ginger. I learned from my Thai cooking instructor that these two ingredients are the foundation of authentic Asian sauces. Once I started using freshly minced versions instead of pre-packaged options, the flavor difference was remarkable enough that my teenage son actually noticed and commented on it.

Customizing Your Heat Level

Vegan and Gluten-Free Adaptations

Creative Serving Ideas

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I adjust the spice level?

Increase or decrease the red pepper flakes to make the sauce spicier or milder.

→ Can I make this sauce vegan?

Yes, substitute soy sauce for fish sauce to create a vegan version.

→ How should I store the sauce?

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

→ What are some serving suggestions?

Use it as a dip for spring rolls, glaze for grilled meats, or add it to stir-fries or noodles.

→ Can I use a sweetener other than honey?

Yes, you can use maple syrup or omit the honey for a less sweet version.

Sweet Chili Sauce

Perfectly sweet, spicy, and tangy homemade chili sauce.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Antipasti

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Asian

Yield: About 1 cup

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Base ingredients

01 1/2 cup water
02 1/2 cup rice vinegar
03 1/3 cup granulated sugar
04 2 tablespoons honey
05 2 tablespoons fish sauce
06 2 tablespoons ketchup
07 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
08 1–2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
09 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
11 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 01

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, rice vinegar, sugar, honey, fish sauce, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.

Step 02

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.

Step 03

In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan while stirring continuously. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 04

Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.

Step 05

Transfer the cooled sauce into a jar or bottle and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  1. Adjust the red pepper flakes to customize the heat level.
  2. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  3. For a vegan option, substitute fish sauce with soy sauce.
  4. This sauce pairs well as a dip for egg rolls, a glaze for grilled chicken, or mixed into noodles.

Tools You'll Need

  • Small saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Jar or bottle with lid

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains fish (if using fish sauce).
  • May contain gluten (if the ketchup or soy sauce used isn't gluten-free).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 50
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: ~