Description
A simple, flavorful homemade sweet chili sauce that balances tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors perfectly. Ideal for dipping, glazing, or drizzling over dishes.
Ingredients
1/2 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sambal oelek or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
Instructions
- Combine rice vinegar, sugar, water, soy sauce, sambal oelek, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves and flavors blend.
- Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry in a small bowl.
- Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce.
- Simmer for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens to desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to a jar or bottle.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Adjust the chili sauce amount to control heat level.
For a milder sauce, reduce chili sauce and add more sugar.
For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper or extra sambal oelek.
Skip ginger for a simpler flavor or add lime juice for brightness.
Reheat gently with a splash of water if sauce thickens too much.
Better flavor after resting a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Sauce/Dip
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
