Description
Sweet chili sauce brings Thai-inspired zest to countless dishes with its perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Homemade preparation ensures fresh, authentic flavors you can enjoy with grilled meats, as a dipping sauce, or in marinades.
Ingredients
Scale
Peppers and Spices:
- 1 – 2 fresh red chilies, finely chopped
- 1 – 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 2 – 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
Base Liquids and Sweeteners:
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or fish sauce)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- Lime juice (to taste)
Thickening Agent:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Combine rice vinegar, water, sugar, honey, garlic, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, and ketchup in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar completely dissolves.
- Reduce heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, developing a rich, harmonious flavor profile.
- Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water in a separate small bowl until smooth and lump-free.
- Gradually pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce, continuously stirring to prevent clumping and ensure even thickening.
- Enhance the sauce’s complexity by adding fresh red chilies, ginger, or a splash of lime juice, stirring thoroughly to distribute the additional ingredients.
- Remove the pan from heat and let the sauce cool naturally, noting that it will continue to thicken as the temperature drops.
- Transfer the cooled sauce to a sterilized glass container and refrigerate, where it will maintain its quality for approximately two weeks.
Notes
- Adjust heat levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes for personalized spiciness.
- Use organic honey or alternative sweeteners like agave for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
- Enhance sauce complexity by adding a splash of fish sauce or rice wine for deeper umami undertones.
- For gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain savory depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 57 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg