Description
Sweet chili sauce from scratch brings Thai-inspired zest to kitchen adventures. Home cooks can elevate meals with this simple, tangy condiment that adds authentic flavor to countless dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
Thickening Agent:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Blend sugar, water, rice vinegar, fish sauce, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a saucepan, creating a vibrant base liquid.
- Elevate heat to generate a rolling boil, allowing ingredients to thoroughly integrate and release their aromatic profiles.
- Reduce temperature to a gentle simmer, letting the mixture develop depth and complexity for approximately 5 minutes.
- Whisk red pepper flakes and cornstarch mixture into the simmering liquid, stirring consistently to prevent clumping.
- Continue cooking until the sauce transforms into a glossy, thickened consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- Immediately remove from heat source, allowing the sweet chili sauce to cool naturally at room temperature.
- Transfer the finished sauce into a sterilized glass container, ensuring a tight seal to preserve freshness.
- Refrigerate the homemade condiment, where it will maintain its robust flavor and smooth texture for several weeks.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by gradually adding sugar, tasting as you go to achieve your perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
- Create a vegetarian version by replacing fish sauce with additional soy sauce or liquid aminos for umami depth.
- Customize heat levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes, allowing flexibility for different spice tolerances.
- Use this versatile sauce as a dipping sauce, marinade, or glaze for proteins like chicken, tofu, or shrimp to elevate various dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 94 kcal
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg