Sweet Chili Sauce
A perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy, this homemade Thai-style sauce is amazing for dipping spring rolls, chicken wings, or shrimp. Ready in 15 minutes, it's far superior to any bottled version.
For 6 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Combine Sauce Ingredients
- b.In a small saucepan, combine 3/4 cup of water, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- c.Whisk everything together until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Simmer the Base
- b.Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- c.Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes. This allows the garlic and chili flavors to infuse the sauce.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare and Add Thickener
- b.While the sauce simmers, prepare the cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of cold water until completely smooth with no lumps.
- c.While constantly whisking the simmering sauce, slowly and steadily pour in the cornstarch slurry.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Thicken and Cool
- b.Continue to whisk and simmer the sauce for another 1-2 minutes. You will notice it thicken and become glossy.
- c.Remove the saucepan from the heat. Remember, the sauce will thicken significantly more as it cools down.
- d.Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before transferring it to a clean, airtight jar for storage.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The sauce thickens considerably upon cooling. Take it off the heat when it's slightly thinner than your desired final consistency.
- 2For a smoother sauce without visible garlic bits, grate the garlic on a microplane instead of mincing.
- 3Always use cold water for the cornstarch slurry. Using warm or hot water will cause the cornstarch to clump instantly.
- 4Store the cooled sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks.
- 5For a vibrant red color, add 1/2 teaspoon of paprika along with the other ingredients in the first step.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
For extra heat, substitute the red pepper flakes with 1-2 finely minced fresh red Thai chilies (bird's eye chilies).
Ginger InfusionGinger Infusion
Add 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger along with the garlic for an extra layer of aromatic warmth.
Alternative SweetenerAlternative Sweetener
You can replace the granulated sugar with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile, though this will alter the taste and color.
Tangier SauceTangier Sauce
For a more pronounced tang, add a tablespoon of lime juice after removing the sauce from the heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Metabolism Boost from Capsaicin
The red pepper flakes contain capsaicin, a compound known to slightly boost metabolism and provide mild anti-inflammatory effects.
Contains Allicin
Garlic is a source of allicin, a compound released when it's crushed or minced, which is associated with immune-boosting and cardiovascular benefits.
Frequently asked questions
One serving, which is approximately 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons), contains about 105-110 calories, primarily from the sugar.