Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce

by
Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe


This Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce brings back memories of my mom always having a jar in the fridge ready for egg rolls or grilled chicken. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy, made with simple ingredients you probably already have. It’s cheaper, healthier, and tastier than store-bought—and once you try it, you’ll never go back.

Ingredients


1 cup water
½ cup rice vinegar
½ cup sugar
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp sambal oelek (or crushed red chili flakes for less heat)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp cold water

Directions

  1. In a saucepan, combine water, rice vinegar, sugar, honey, sambal oelek, garlic, and soy sauce.
  2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar.
  3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry.
  4. Once the sauce boils, lower the heat and slowly stir in the slurry.
  5. Simmer 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens to desired consistency.
  6. Let it cool completely. It will thicken a bit more as it cools.
  7. Store in a clean jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Servings and Timing


Yields: about 1¼ cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations


– For a sweeter sauce, add extra honey or sugar.
– For extra heat, add more sambal oelek or a chopped Thai chili.
– For a chunkier texture, don’t strain out garlic bits.
– Add grated ginger for a zingy twist.

Storage and Reheating


Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave in short bursts if needed, but it’s typically used cold or room temp.

FAQs


Can I use another vinegar? Yes, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar work, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I freeze it? It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it in portions for up to 3 months.
Is this gluten-free? Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it fully gluten-free.

Conclusion


This sweet chili sauce is a kitchen staple that’s easy to whip up anytime. Whether you’re dipping, drizzling, or marinating, it brings bold flavor and a homemade touch that’s hard to beat. Give it a try, and let it become part of your own family food traditions.