Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce Recipe

Zesty Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Spice enthusiasts know the magic of a perfectly crafted chili garlic sauce that elevates every bite.

This homemade chili garlic sauce packs a punch of flavor that store-bought versions can’t match.

Bold and vibrant, the sauce combines fresh chilies with aromatic garlic for an explosive taste experience.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to create a condiment that dances between heat and depth.

The deep red color promises a fiery adventure for your taste buds.

Simple ingredients transform into a restaurant-quality sauce right in your kitchen.

You’ll love how this sauce brings excitement to any meal with just a few spoonfuls of pure, spicy goodness.

Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce Explained

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Ingredients For Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce

Main Ingredients:
  • Red Chilies: Fresh, vibrant peppers that provide the primary heat and flavor base for the sauce.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds a pungent and sharp taste to the chili sauce.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
  • Sugar: Balances the heat and adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
Liquid and Preserving Ingredients:
  • Vinegar, Vegetable Oil: Helps blend the ingredients smoothly and contributes to the sauce's preservation and consistency.

Stepwise Guide To Chili Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Select Spicy Peppers

Choose fresh, vibrant red chilies like red jalapeños, Fresno, or Thai chili peppers. Wash the peppers thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.

Step 2: Prepare Chili Peppers

Decide on your spice level. For a milder sauce, carefully slice peppers in half and remove seeds and white membranes.

For maximum heat, keep the seeds intact. Roughly chop the peppers into small, uniform pieces.

Step 3: Blend Fiery Mixture

Grab your food processor or blender. Add chopped chilies, peeled garlic cloves, distilled white vinegar, kosher salt, and optional brown sugar.

Pulse and blend until the mixture becomes a smooth, vibrant red consistency. Scrape down the sides to ensure everything gets incorporated.

Step 4: Sizzle and Simmer

Heat neutral cooking oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully pour in the blended chili mixture.

Stir frequently to prevent burning and allow flavors to develop.

Step 5: Reduce and Thicken

Cook the sauce for 3-5 minutes, watching it reduce and thicken.

The color will deepen and the flavors will intensify. Remove from heat when the sauce reaches a rich, glossy texture.

Step 6: Cool and Preserve

Let the sauce cool completely at room temperature. Transfer to a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Refrigerate for up to one week, allowing the flavors to continue melding.

Helpful Tips For Chili Garlic Sauce

  • Choose fresh, vibrant red chilies for the most robust flavor and color in your homemade sauce.
  • Remove seeds and membranes for a milder sauce, or keep them for extra heat – you're the boss of your spice adventure.
  • Pulse ingredients in a food processor until smooth, scraping sides to ensure an even, consistent texture.
  • Simmer sauce for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and help flavors meld together beautifully.
  • Transfer cooled sauce to a clean, airtight jar and refrigerate for up to a week to maintain maximum freshness and taste.

Flavorful Variations For Chili Garlic Sauce

  • Mild Chili Garlic Sauce: Remove seeds and membranes from chilies for a gentler heat level, perfect for those sensitive to spice.
  • Roasted Chili Garlic Sauce: Char chilies and garlic in a dry skillet before blending to add a smoky depth of flavor.
  • Thai-Inspired Version: Replace regular vinegar with rice vinegar and add a tablespoon of fish sauce for an authentic Southeast Asian profile.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Eliminate sugar completely or substitute with a small amount of honey or monk fruit sweetener for reduced calorie content.

Foods To Pair With Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce

  • Pair Chili Garlic Sauce with Crispy Asian Dumplings: Drizzle the homemade sauce over steamed or pan-fried dumplings for an instant flavor explosion that tingles taste buds.
  • Enhance Grilled Proteins: Brush the sauce on chicken, beef, or seafood during the last few minutes of grilling to create a spicy, caramelized coating that adds depth and heat.
  • Transform Breakfast Dishes: Mix a small amount into scrambled eggs, spread on toast, or drizzle over avocado to wake up morning meals with a zesty kick.
  • Elevate Dipping Experience: Use as a quick condiment for spring rolls, crispy wontons, or as a bold dipping sauce for roasted vegetables and grilled meats.

Storage Tips For Chili Garlic Sauce

  • Transfer the cooled sauce to a sterilized glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Seal carefully and store in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days, maintaining its vibrant flavor and spicy kick.
  • Pour the sauce into small freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. Freeze for up to 3 months, allowing you to thaw small portions as needed for quick flavor boosts.
  • Gently warm the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Heat just until warm, avoiding excessive cooking that might alter the fresh taste.
  • Transfer the desired amount to a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short 10-15 second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming and preserve the sauce's original texture.

FAQs

  • What type of chilies work best for this sauce?

Red jalapeños, red fresno peppers, or red Thai chilies are ideal. Choose ripe, bright red chilies for the most vibrant color and flavor.

  • Can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?

Yes, remove the seeds and membranes for a milder sauce, or keep them for extra heat. The type of chili also impacts spiciness.

  • How do I know when the sauce is cooked properly?

The sauce will slightly thicken and the raw garlic flavor will mellow. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring to prevent burning.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make this sauce?

A food processor or blender works best for blending the ingredients smoothly. A small saucepan is needed for cooking the sauce.

Print
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Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce Recipe

Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Spicy and bold, this homemade chili garlic sauce delivers explosive flavor straight from Asian kitchens. Crafted with fresh chilies and aromatic garlic, you can elevate meals with this simple, zesty condiment that brings authentic heat to any dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 56 fresh red chilies
  • 4 cloves garlic

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar or rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Cooking Base:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Select fresh, vibrant chilies and determine desired heat level by keeping or removing seeds and membranes. Chop chilies into rough, uniform pieces.
  2. Transfer chopped chilies into food processor or blender. Add minced garlic, vinegar, salt, and optional sugar. Pulse until mixture transforms into smooth, consistent texture, periodically scraping down processor sides.
  3. Warm oil in small saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully introduce blended chili mixture into hot oil, maintaining steady temperature around 350°F.
  4. Simmer sauce for 3-5 minutes, stirring intermittently. Watch for gradual thickening and flavor integration, ensuring mixture doesn’t scorch or stick to pan bottom.
  5. Eliminate saucepan from heat source. Allow sauce to cool completely at room temperature, which helps flavors meld and intensify.
  6. Once cooled, transfer homemade chili garlic sauce into sterilized glass jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for optimal preservation, consuming within one week for maximum freshness and potency.

Notes

  • Select chilies carefully to control spice level, removing seeds for milder heat or keeping them for extra kick.
  • Blend ingredients thoroughly to create smooth, consistent texture without chunks of garlic or chilies.
  • Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor intensity and aromatic punch in the sauce.
  • Consider using different vinegar types like rice or apple cider vinegar to add unique flavor profiles to the sauce.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 15 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 496 mg
  • Fat: 1.4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2.3 g
  • Fiber: 0.6 g
  • Protein: 0.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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