Spicy Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

Get ready to meet your new go-to condiment: Spicy Sweet Chili Sauce! This vibrant, flavor-packed sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and fiery. Whether you’re dipping, drizzling, or marinating, this quick homemade sauce elevates absolutely anything it touches—trust me, you’ll be hooked from the first taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This sauce is a celebration of both simplicity and flavor! Each ingredient has its own important job to do—bringing the balance of sweet, savory, and spicy that makes Spicy Sweet Chili Sauce irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need and why you need it:

• Rice Vinegar (½ cup): The backbone of your sauce—it brings punchy tanginess and a gentle brightness that keeps everything feeling light.
• Water (¾ cup): Loosens the sauce to that perfect, pourable consistency.
• White Sugar (4 oz, about ½ cup + 2 tbsp): Sweetness is the soul of this sauce, balancing out all that heat.
• Garlic (5 cloves, finely chopped): Freshly chopped garlic infuses bold, savory undertones throughout.
• Soy Sauce (1 tbsp): Gives rich umami and adds depth—use tamari or salt if you need a gluten- or soy-free version, or swap for fish sauce for extra savor.
• Cayenne Pepper (½ tsp, optional): For folks who like their heat with a side of fireworks; add less, or skip, if you’re spice-shy!
• Sambal Oelek (2.8 oz, about 2½ tbsp): This Indonesian chili paste dials up flavor and color with bright, punchy heat—don’t skip it if you want the authentic oomph.
• Cornstarch (4 tsp) + Water (2 tbsp): The classic thickening duo that gives your sauce that addictive, silky finish. (Swap for Clear Jel if you want to can your sauce!)

Variations

Part of the fun of making your own Spicy Sweet Chili Sauce is that you can easily adapt it to fit your preferences, pantry, or what’s in the fridge. Here are just a few ways to riff on the classic!

• No Sambal? No Problem: Use red chili flakes instead—just add them at the start (about 1–2 teaspoons) for a slightly different but still fiery punch.
• Soy-Free or Gluten-Free: Swap in tamari, coconut aminos, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to suit dietary needs without missing any flavor.
• Extra Fruity: Stir in a spoonful of pineapple or mango puree for a tropical twist, especially if you’re serving with seafood.
• Mild and Kid-Friendly: Skip the cayenne and reduce sambal oelek for a sweeter, mellower version even picky eaters love.

How to Make Spicy Sweet Chili Sauce

Step 1: Combine and Dissolve the Base

Start by adding rice vinegar, water, sugar, chopped garlic, soy sauce, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it) to a non-stick pan. Give everything a good stir—this helps the sugar dissolve smoothly and evenly, setting you up for a perfectly balanced base.

Step 2: Simmer, Then Add Chili

Warm your mixture gently over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar has totally dissolved. Now crank up the heat to medium-high and bring it to a gentle boil. Once it’s simmering, let it go for two minutes to marry all those vibrant flavors, then add in the sambal oelek. Continue to simmer for another 2–5 minutes, letting the sauce begin to thicken and amplify its punchy, chili-rich notes.

Step 3: Thicken to Perfection

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water into a smooth slurry—this is your ticket to that glossy, luscious texture! Slowly pour the slurry into your simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Watch as it transforms, thickening to that spoon-coating consistency. Let it bubble for another 2–5 minutes, making sure to stir frequently so nothing sticks or burns.

Step 4: Cool and Store

Once you’re happy with the thickness (remember, it will set up even more as it cools), pour the hot Spicy Sweet Chili Sauce into clean glass jars, or sterilized jars if you want to store it longer. Allow it to cool completely to room temperature before screwing on the lids and popping it in the fridge. The flavors just keep getting better with time!

How to Serve Spicy Sweet Chili Sauce

Garnishes

Give a final flourish to your sauce by topping with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro. For extra visual pop, try adding a twist of lime zest or a few sliced red chilies on the side—your Spicy Sweet Chili Sauce will not only taste incredible but look stunning, too!

Side Dishes

This sauce is a natural partner for crispy spring rolls, fried wontons, or grilled shrimp skewers. Try it alongside simple steamed jasmine rice, or use it as a delightful drizzle over roasted vegetables. Basically—if you can dip it, dunk it, or coat it, Spicy Sweet Chili Sauce will play along beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, pour into small dipping bowls and pair with crunchy veggies or potstickers. Or use it as a glaze—brush over chicken wings or tofu cubes just before baking for a sticky, glossy finish. I even love swirling it into mayo for an instantly addictive spread or dressing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, seal your Spicy Sweet Chili Sauce in clean glass jars or airtight containers. It’ll keep fresh and fabulous in the fridge for up to 2–3 weeks. Always use a clean spoon to prevent cross-contamination.

Freezing

Great news: this sauce freezes well! Pour into freezer-safe jars or silicone ice cube trays for easy portioning. For the very best flavor and texture, enjoy within three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To return your Spicy Sweet Chili Sauce to its pourable best, gently reheat it in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring often. If it’s thickened too much in the fridge, just add a splash of water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made your own Spicy Sweet Chili Sauce before, you’re in for such a treat—it comes together faster than you can say “pass the egg rolls,” and the flavor is leagues beyond anything from a bottle! Give it a try, have fun experimenting, and let this little jar of homemade magic elevate your meals all week long. Happy cooking!

Spicy Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 60 reviews

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: About 32 tablespoons 1x
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Spicy Sweet Chili Sauce recipe combines a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. It’s versatile and delicious, elevating any dish it accompanies.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Spicy Sweet Chili Sauce:

• 1/2 cup rice vinegar (unseasoned)
• 3/4 cup water
• 4 oz white sugar (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp)
• 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free soy sauce or salt for gluten-free option, or 1/2 tbsp fish sauce)
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2.8 oz sambal oelek
• 4 tsp cornflour / cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water

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Instructions

1. Add the vinegar, water, sugar, garlic cloves, soy sauce, and cayenne pepper to a non-stick pan. Heat over medium heat to dissolve the sugar. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 minutes.

Add sambal oelek, cook until slightly thickened.

2. Mix cornstarch and water into a slurry, add to the sauce. Simmer for 2-5 more minutes until desired thickness.
3. Pour sauce into glass jars, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.

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Notes

• If using Clear Jel for canning, the sauce thickens mostly upon cooling.
• Add water if the sauce thickens too much.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
• Calories: 30
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg