Sweet meets spicy in this quick and easy Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe—perfect for dipping, drizzling, or adding a zesty kick to your favorite dishes!
Sweet chili sauce is a popular condiment that originated in Thailand. It is known for its magnificent blend of sweet and heat. This versatile sauce is often used as a dip for appetizers like spring rolls. It adds a tangy kick to stir-fries and salads and makes a wonderful marinade. The sauce can be customized to various heat levels and often includes ingredients like garlic, ginger, or lime for added dimension. The cherry on top? This sweet chili sauce is gluten-free (confirm the ingredients on the rice vinegar and cornstarch labels) and vegan-friendly, so it works great for a variety of dietary needs.
This sweet chili sauce recipe is both sweet and savory. With just a hint of spice, I love to use it on just about everything I eat. Pair it with a little soy sauce, and you have the best marinade for chicken and rice bowls. It also makes a great dressing for soba noodles. Dice up some eggplant or mushrooms (or both!), sauté them in this sauce, and pour over a bed of rice. You will thank me later!
Is This Sweet Chili Sauce Healthy?
There is a lot of sugar in this sweet chili sauce, so on its own, it isn’t the most healthy recipe. Keep in mind, this sweet chili sauce is intended to be consumed in moderation, as a condiment. You can swap the granulated sugar for coconut sugar or honey, if you prefer.
Elevate Your Dishes With Sweet Chili Sauce
Sweet chili sauce is one of the most versatile condiments you can keep in your kitchen, and its uses go far beyond the usual dipping sauce for spring rolls. Try tossing roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts in sweet chili sauce for a caramelized, sticky finish that’s hard to resist. For a unique twist on pizza, drizzle sweet chili sauce over the top. It pairs beautifully with pizza toppings like pineapple, chicken, and bell peppers for a Thai-inspired flavor.
You can also swap out ketchup on your favorite burgers with sweet chili sauce for a tangy, spicy kick that works just as well with chicken, turkey, or veggie patties. If you’re planning a cookout, use it as a glaze for shrimp skewers on the grill, brushing it on during the last few minutes to prevent the sugars from burning. And when you’re pressed for time, sweet chili sauce can save the day as a quick stir-fry shortcut.
How To Make Ahead And Store
Once made, this sweet chili sauce can be stored in a mason jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. The high sugar content helps the sauce last longer.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet chili sauce is a wonderful item to prepare in advance and keep on hand to sweeten and spice up a variety of dishes. It makes a great dipping sauce, glaze, salad dressing, or marinade.
Spoon your sweet chili sauce over some fresh Air-Fryer Brown Rice with some Oven-Roasted Vegetables. Try it as a dip for Firecracker Chicken or Shrimp Spring Rolls, or drizzle it over these Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Whatever you decide to serve this sweet chili sauce with, I have no doubt it will season your food just right. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon finely minced ginger
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red chili peppers
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Combine water, sugar, and vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add garlic, ginger, and chopped chili peppers to the saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir into the saucepan and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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