Perfect Sweet Chili Sauce

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Perfect Sweet Chili Sauce is a delightful blend of sweetness and spice, perfect for dipping or drizzling.

Felicity Grant

Created by

Felicity Grant

Last updated on 2025-12-21T08:06:00.847Z

This Perfect Sweet Chili Sauce is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you're serving it with spring rolls, grilled chicken, or as a salad dressing, this sauce will elevate your dishes with its sweet and tangy flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Balanced sweetness with a hint of heat
  • Quick and easy to prepare at home
  • Perfect for a variety of dishes

A Versatile Sauce for Every Occasion

Perfect Sweet Chili Sauce is not just a condiment; it’s a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you're hosting a party, enjoying a family dinner, or simply snacking, this sauce elevates any dish. Its balanced flavor profile makes it an excellent choice for dipping spring rolls, drizzling over grilled chicken, or even enhancing a simple vegetable stir-fry.

The beauty of this sauce lies in its adaptability. You can use it as a marinade for meats, a glaze for roasted vegetables, or a vibrant dressing for salads. Its sweet and spicy notes complement a wide range of flavors, making it an essential staple in your kitchen.

Healthier Homemade Option

Making your own sweet chili sauce at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier option compared to store-bought versions. Many commercial sauces contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and excessive sugars. By preparing this sauce yourself, you can adjust the sweetness and spice levels to suit your preferences, creating a fresher and more wholesome alternative.

Using fresh ingredients not only enhances the flavor but also provides a sense of accomplishment. You can feel good knowing exactly what’s in your sauce, making it a guilt-free addition to your meals.

Perfect Pairings

This sweet chili sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Try it alongside crispy wontons for an irresistible appetizer or mix it into a stir-fry to add depth and flavor. It also works wonderfully as a glaze for grilled shrimp or chicken, imparting a sweet and spicy kick that is sure to impress your guests.

For a delightful twist, use the sauce as a base for homemade salad dressings. Combine it with olive oil and a splash of lime juice for a zesty vinaigrette that will liven up any green salad. The possibilities are endless, making this sauce a must-have in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Sweet Chili Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon red chili flakes

Mix these ingredients well for a delicious sauce!

Instructions

Combine Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, rice vinegar, water, soy sauce, garlic, and red chili flakes.

Heat the Mixture

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.

Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Slowly add this to the saucepan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.

Cool and Store

Remove from heat and let the sauce cool. Transfer to a jar and store in the refrigerator.

Your Perfect Sweet Chili Sauce is now ready to enjoy!

Storing Your Sauce

Once you’ve made your Perfect Sweet Chili Sauce, proper storage is crucial to maintain its freshness. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight jar or container. This prevents condensation from forming, which can lead to spoilage.

Store the sauce in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to three weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing it in ice cube trays. This way, you can easily thaw small portions whenever you need a quick flavor boost for your meals.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to get creative with your sweet chili sauce! If you enjoy a bit more heat, add extra red chili flakes or incorporate fresh chopped chili peppers. Alternatively, for a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar slightly or add honey for a unique flavor twist.

You can also experiment with adding ingredients like ginger for an earthy note or sesame oil for a nutty flavor. The customizable nature of this recipe means you can tailor it to suit your taste preferences perfectly.

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Questions About Recipes

→ How long does the sauce last in the fridge?

The sauce will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

→ Can I use another type of vinegar?

Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar if you prefer.

→ Is this sauce gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce, the sauce will be gluten-free.

→ Can I make this sauce less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of sugar to your taste.

Perfect Sweet Chili Sauce

Perfect Sweet Chili Sauce is a delightful blend of sweetness and spice, perfect for dipping or drizzling.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Felicity Grant

Recipe Type: Global Flavors

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 1 cup

What You'll Need

Sweet Chili Sauce Ingredients

  1. 1 cup sugar
  2. 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  3. 1/2 cup water
  4. 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  5. 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  6. 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  7. 1 tablespoon red chili flakes

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, rice vinegar, water, soy sauce, garlic, and red chili flakes.

Step 02

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.

Step 03

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Slowly add this to the saucepan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.

Step 04

Remove from heat and let the sauce cool. Transfer to a jar and store in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 28g
  • Protein: 0g