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Made with only 5 ingredients, this recipe for Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce is a little bit sweet, a little bit spicy, and can be used in a variety of ways.
When it comes to enjoying Vegetarian Egg Rolls or Coconut Shrimp, I must have sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping. This Asian condiment is made with vinegar, red chiles, sugar, and garlic to create a thick, tangy, slightly spicy, and perfectly sweet sauce that is perfect for dipping or drizzling and adds tremendous flavor to endless dishes.
Just like Pizza Sauce, Buffalo Sauce, and BBQ Sauce, it is exceptionally easy to make Sweet Chili Sauce at home and the flavor (and the quality of ingredients) are superior to store-bought brands.
Recipe Highlights
Notes on Ingredients
- Sambal Oelek: Sweet Chili Sauce is classically made using dried red chilies. However, not only are they hard to find at most local grocery stores, but they take a bit of time and effort to rehydrate and process. Instead, I opt to use Sambal Oelek, which can be found in the Asian section, next to soy sauce, at most grocery stores. It is an affordable condiment that is made using red chilies and replicates the authentic flavor of Sweet Chili Sauce perfectly. Bonus: You can store red chili sauce in the refrigerator for months and add it to everything from stir-fries or marinades for a pop of flavor.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is best for this recipe. It will dissolve easily into the sauce and sweeten the sauce, rather than flavoring the sauce like honey or maple syrup would do.
- Rice Vinegar: Rice Vinegar is made from fermented rice and the flavor is tart, tangy, and essential to this recipe for Sweet Chili Sauce. You can find rice vinegar in any major grocery store, alongside the other kinds of vinegar, or in the Asian food section. I don't recommend substitutions for rice vinegar, as the flavor is not quite the same.
- Garlic: Garlic is an optional addition, but in my humble opinion, adds incredible flavor. Some brands add garlic, some do not, but I highly suggest the addition--as long as you like garlic!
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to give this Sweet Chili Sauce the thick consistency that makes it perfect for dipping. If you have a corn allergy, use equal parts of tapioca or arrowroot starch, in place of the cornstarch. This is another great reason to make Sweet Chili Sauce at home-you can make it suitable for your dietary needs.
How to Make Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water together until the cornstarch is dissolved. Set the cornstarch mixture aside. We will use this to thicken up the sauce after it has simmered for a bit.
- Bring Mixture to a Boil. In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar, water, Sambal Oelek, vinegar, and garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook just until the sugar is dissolved. This should only take a minute or two.
- Simmer Until Thickened. Once the sugar is dissolved, whisk in the cornstarch slurry, and simmer until the mixture is thickened, whisking constantly. It should only take a minute.
- Taste Test. Allow the sauce to cool, and then give it a quick taste test to see if you need to add a pinch of salt. The sambal oelek sauce has added salt, so I find this addition unnecessary.
- Store. Once the sauce has cooled to the touch, serve or transfer it to a container or jar for storage in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
This all-purpose Thai Sweet Chili Sauce can be used in a wide range of dishes, from soups to stir-fries to serving alongside fish, chicken, or noodles to liven up your meal. While the options for how you use this sweet chili sauce are endless, below I am sharing with you some of my favorite uses.
- Sweet Chili Sauce is the perfect dipping sauce for Baked Coconut Shrimp, Egg Rolls, or Vegetable Pot Stickers.
- Use this sauce to make creamy Bang Bang Sauce and Bang Bang Shrimp.
- Instead of classic buffalo-flavored chicken wings, toss Instant Pot Chicken Wings or Boneless Chicken Wings in the sweet chili sauce after cooking.
- Use this sauce as a dip for Baked Chicken Tenders, Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, or Oven Baked Fries.
- Top grilled meat or sauteed tofu with a tablespoon of the Sweet Chili Sauce, for a flavorful, simple dish.
- Make a quick creamy, sweet and spicy appetizer by topping a block of cream cheese with sweet chili sauce or try it as a topping on whipped brie or baked brie.
- Use for seasoning Asian Lettuce Wraps or in place of the soy sauce in Stir-Fried Chicken and Bok Choy.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons to Fried Rice for extra flavor.
- Skip the classic Peanut Dipping Sauce, and serve Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce instead.
More Homemade Condiments
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Sweet Chili Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water, for cornstarch slurry
- ⅓ cup water , for sauce
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Sambal Oelek
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 teaspoons cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water until dissolved. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the ⅓ cup water , ⅓ cup sugar, ⅓ cup rice wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon Sambal Oelek, and ½ teaspoon minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil and boil just until the sugar is dissolved.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, whisk in the cornstarch slurry, and cook until the mixture is thickened, whisking constantly. It should only take a minute.
- Cool the sauce and then serve immediately or transfer to a storage container.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Just tried this a couple of weeks ago, and already making it again, doubling the recipe this time! It is a big hit at our house. I will never buy store bought again! My husband loves spicy, but I don't like mine as hot, so this time I only used about 2 teaspoons of the Sambal Oelek. The only issue I have, is I have a hard time getting the sauce to thicken as the instructions state. I'm sure I'm doing something wrong. Any tips? Thank you, and thank you for sharing your recipe!
Hi Mary! I am thrilled you enjoy so much! As for thickening, try 1 tablespoon of cornstarch instead of just 2 teaspoons (for double batch use 2 tablespoons mixed with 2 tablespoons water). And be sure to simmer after adding to help thicken.
I had serious doubts thinking this would not turn our right and it was delicious! I substituted white wine vinegar because I didn't have rice wine but it was still amazing. Thank you.
I am so glad it was what you were looking for Kim!
Fantastic recipe. I use this sauce all the time!
Bookmarking to use again! I usually need to run to the store to buy chili sauce. This is so simple to make at home. Perfect for dipping shrimp. Thank you!
So glad you found this easy Sandra! Glad I can help save you a trip to the store.
I find your recipes very interesting.
Love it
YAY! So glad you found this recipe Sara!