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    Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce

    Homemade Staples Dairy-Free Recipes Gluten Free Plant Based Recipes June 13, 2022 | By Kristen Chidsey | 8 Comments | *This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe
    Made with only 5 ingredients, this recipe for Sweet Chili Sauce is an exact replica of store-bought Asian Chili Sauce. It is a little bit sweet, a little bit spicy, and can be used in a variety of ways. It is a simple recipe that is not only more affordable to make at home, but tastes so much better!

    Made with only 5 ingredients, this Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe is an easy way to enjoy affordable, and better tasting than store-bought. This copycat sauce is a little bit sweet, a little bit spicy, and can be used in a variety of ways. 

    Spoonful of Sweet Chili Sauce.


    What is Sweet Chili Sauce?

    Sweet Chili Sauce is an Asian condiment sometimes referred to as Thai Sweet Chili Sauce or Asian Sweet Chili Sauce. It is made with vinegar, red chilis, 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.

    Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce is the Best

    There are many brands of Sweet Chili Sauce on the market and it is easy to find in just about any grocery store, but just like most things, homemade is best.

    Not only is the flavor of Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce exceptional, but this recipe for Sweet Chili Sauce is made without the addition of preservatives or red dye and is much more affordable than anything store-bought.

    Notes on Ingredients

    Ingredients for Sweet Chili Sauce labeled on white counter.

    This recipe for Thai Sweet Chili Sauce is made with only 5 ingredients--6 if you count water.

    • 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, 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 gives 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 sweetens 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 Sweet Thai Chili Sauce

    • First, you want to prepare a cornstarch slurry, which will help to thicken up the sauce. To prepare the cornstarch slurry, simply whisk together the cornstarch and water together until the cornstarch is dissolved. Set the cornstarch mixture aside.
    • 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.
    Sauce pan with sweet chili sauce in pan.
    • 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.
    • 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 myself.
    • Once the sauce has cooled to the touch, serve or transfer it to a container or jar for storage in the fridge.
    Sweet Chili Sauce in white bowl with blue napkin in background.

    Storing Sweet Chili Sauce

    This recipe for Sweet Chili Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up two weeks. If you find that the sauce has thickened too much after refrigeration, gently heat the sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat to thin.

    Sweet Chili Sauce 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, Pot Stickers, and Spring Rolls.
    • 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 or Oven Baked Fries.
    • Top grilled meat or sauteed tofu with a tablespoon of the Sweet Chili Sauce, for a flavorful, simple dish.
    • 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.

    If you tried this recipe for Sweet Chili Sauce, I would love for you to leave a comment and rating below. 

    Spoonful of Sweet Chili Sauce

    Sweet Chili Sauce

    Made with only 5 ingredients, this Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe is little bit sweet, a little bit spicy, and can be used in a variety of ways. 
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Condiment
    Cuisine: Asian
    Prep Time: 1 minute minute
    Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 6 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 25kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • â…“ cup water + 1 tablespoon
    • â…“ cup sugar
    • â…“ cup rice wine vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon Sambal Oelek
    • ½ teaspoon minced garlic
    • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of the water until dissolved. Set aside.
    • In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar, â…“ cup water, Sambal Oelek, vinegar, and 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

    Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container or jar. This sauce does not freeze well. If the sauce thickens up too much as it sits, simply add a splash of warm water and whisk well or microwave for 10-15 seconds and then whisk. 
    Cornstarch: In place of cornstarch, use equal parts of tapioca starch or arrowroot starch.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 25kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 21mg | Potassium: 4mg | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 12IU | Vitamin C: 2mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!
    « Instant Pot Frittata
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    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

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    1. Kim

      March 25, 2021 at 4:51 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        March 26, 2021 at 7:08 am

        I am so glad it was what you were looking for Kim!

        Reply
    2. Renee Goerger

      August 26, 2020 at 12:14 pm

      5 stars
      Fantastic recipe. I use this sauce all the time!

      Reply
    3. Sandra Shaffer

      August 26, 2020 at 12:10 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 26, 2020 at 12:52 pm

        So glad you found this easy Sandra! Glad I can help save you a trip to the store.

        Reply
    4. Marna V Jordan

      August 25, 2020 at 1:05 pm

      5 stars
      I find your recipes very interesting.

      Reply
    5. SARA ESQUINCA

      August 25, 2020 at 9:52 am

      5 stars
      Love it

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 25, 2020 at 10:25 am

        YAY! So glad you found this recipe Sara!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Made with only 5 ingredients, this recipe for Sweet Chili Sauce is an exact replica of store-bought Asian Chili Sauce. It is a little bit sweet, a little bit spicy, and can be used in a variety of ways. It is a simple recipe that is not only more affordable to make at home, but tastes so much better!

    Meet Kristen

    Kristen Chidsey with apron on in front of vegetables in kitchen.

    Hi! I'm Kristen. It is my honor and passion to share easy, wholesome recipes with you to in turn share your loved ones. These tried and true recipes will help you make delicious, family-friendly meals without stress! Read more

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    Made with only 5 ingredients, this recipe for Sweet Chili Sauce is an exact replica of store-bought Asian Chili Sauce. It is a little bit sweet, a little bit spicy, and can be used in a variety of ways. It is a simple recipe that is not only more affordable to make at home, but tastes so much better!

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