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Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 66 reviews
  • Author: Melanie
  • Prep Time: 0h 5m
  • Cook Time: 0h 10m
  • Total Time: 0h 15m
  • Yield: Approximately 1 1/2 cups
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian

Description

This homemade Sweet Chili Sauce is a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. It’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and works beautifully as a dipping sauce, glaze, or accompaniment to various dishes. Made with rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of red pepper flakes, it offers a balanced flavor with a smooth, slightly thickened consistency thanks to a cornstarch slurry. Fresh green onions add a mild sharpness and color to finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Thickening Agent

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

  1. Combine vinegar, water, and sugar: In a medium saucepan, mix 1 cup rice vinegar, 1/2 cup water, and 1/2 cup sugar to form the sauce base.
  2. Dissolve sugar: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved into the liquid.
  3. Add flavorings: Stir in 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the saucepan.
  4. Heat and stir: Continue heating and occasionally stirring as the mixture warms up.
  5. Simmer the sauce: When the sauce starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Prepare cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, stirring until completely dissolved.
  7. Add slurry to sauce: Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
  8. Thicken the sauce: Allow the sauce to cook for 1-2 minutes more until it thickens to your desired consistency.
  9. Remove from heat: Take the saucepan off the heat once thickened.
  10. Add green onions: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped green onions to add freshness and flavor.
  11. Cool the sauce: Let the sauce cool a few minutes to room temperature.
  12. Transfer and store: Pour the cooled sauce into a jar or container for storage.
  13. Refrigerate: Keep the sweet chili sauce refrigerated for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
  14. Serve: Use as a dipping sauce, glaze, or accompaniment to your favorite dishes to add a sweet, tangy, and spicy kick.

Notes

  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness level according to your preference.
  • The sauce thickens as it cools, so make sure to stop cooking when it’s slightly thinner than your desired consistency.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and flavor.
  • Use freshly grated ginger and minced garlic for the best aromatic results.
  • This sauce pairs well with grilled meats, spring rolls, dumplings, and as a glaze for roasted vegetables.

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Find it online: https://flavorfestkitchen.com/sweet-chili-sauce-recipe/