Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce with Fresh Red Chilies Recipe
Introduction
This Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful condiment made with fresh red chilies. Perfect for dipping, drizzling, or as a marinade, it offers a balanced blend of sweetness and heat that brightens up any dish.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh red chilies
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt to taste
- Garlic (quantity optional, typically 1-2 cloves)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a pan, combine 1/2 cup water, rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve completely, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 2: Add minced garlic and fresh red chilies to the boiling mixture. Let it simmer briefly to infuse the flavors.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon water with 1 tablespoon cornstarch to create a slurry. Slowly stir this into the pan, mixing continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Remove the pan from heat and let the sauce cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. The sauce can be enjoyed warm or cold.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the number of red chilies to control the heat level according to your preference.
- For a smoother sauce, blend the mixture before adding the cornstarch slurry.
- Try adding a splash of lime juice for extra tanginess.
- If fresh red chilies aren’t available, substitute with dried chili flakes, adjusting quantity to taste.
Storage
Store the sweet chili sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, stir well and reheat gently if you prefer serving it warm.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of vinegar instead of rice vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute rice vinegar with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but rice vinegar offers the mildest and most balanced flavor for this sauce.
How spicy is this sweet chili sauce?
The heat depends on the type and amount of fresh chilies used. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer chilies to suit your taste.
PrintHomemade Sweet Chili Sauce with Fresh Red Chilies Recipe
This Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce is a vibrant, tangy, and slightly spicy condiment made from fresh red chilies, sugar, vinegar, and garlic. Perfect as a dipping sauce or accompaniment to many dishes, it offers a fresh flavor punch and can be served warm or cold.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 3/4 cup 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Sauce Base
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/3 cup sugar
- Salt, to taste (approx. 1/4 tsp)
Flavorings
- 3 tablespoons fresh red chilies, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Thickener
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Combine liquids and sugar: In a pan, add 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup rice vinegar, 1/3 cup sugar, and salt. Stir well until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.
- Boil the mixture: Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add aromatics and chilies: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped fresh red chilies, simmering briefly to infuse the sauce with their flavor.
- Prepare cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon water and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth and lump-free.
- Thicken the sauce: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the boiling sauce while stirring continuously, cooking until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pan from the stove and allow the sauce to cool for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm or cold as desired.
Notes
- Store the sweet chili sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- You can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer fresh chilies based on your preference.
- This sauce pairs wonderfully with spring rolls, grilled meats, and fried snacks.
- Make sure to stir the cornstarch slurry well to avoid lumps in the sauce.
Keywords: sweet chili sauce, homemade chili sauce, fresh chili sauce, Asian condiment, dipping sauce
