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Easy Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce From Scratch

Close-up of bright red, chunky homemade sweet chili sauce with visible chili flakes and sesame seeds in a small glass bowl.
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Make authentic Thai sweet chili sauce at home without preservatives. This recipe balances sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors for a perfect dipping sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
  • 4–6 red Thai chilies, thinly sliced (adjust for heat preference)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Combine the 1 cup water, sugar, white vinegar, and rice vinegar in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
  2. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced chilies to the simmering liquid. Reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry.
  4. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while continuously stirring. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency.
  5. Stir in the salt. Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness (add more sugar) or tanginess (add more rice vinegar) if needed.
  6. Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool completely. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
  7. Transfer the finished sweet chili sauce to an airtight container for storage.

Notes

  • For a milder sauce, remove the seeds from the chilies before slicing. For a spicier sauce, use more chilies or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • This sauce is excellent as a glaze for chicken, a dipping sauce for spring rolls, or mixed into stir-fries.
  • Store the sauce in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to three weeks.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/homemade-sweet-chili-sauce-recipe/