Table of Contents: Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe
Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe
Are you ready to elevate your meals with a sweet and spicy kick? Look no further! This homemade sweet chili sauce recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves Asian-inspired flavors. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and versatile condiment that’s perfect for dipping, marinades, and sauces.
Introduction: Sweet Chili Sauce
Sweet chili sauce, also known as Asian dipping sauce, is a staple condiment in many Asian cuisines. Its sweet and spicy flavor profile makes it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes, from spring rolls to noodles and stir-fries. What’s more, it’s incredibly easy to make at home, and this recipe is a great starting point. With this homemade sweet chili sauce, you’ll never have to rely on store-bought versions again.
This sweet chili sauce recipe is perfect for various occasions, including holidays, family dinners, and easy weeknight meals. You can serve it as a dipping sauce for appetizers, use it as a marinade for meats or vegetables, or add it to your favorite stir-fry recipes. The possibilities are endless, and this recipe makes a generous amount, so feel free to get creative!
Alternate Names & Variations
Sweet chili sauce is also known as Asian dipping sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or simply chili sauce. Some variations may include additional ingredients like ketchup, hoisin sauce, or sriracha, but this recipe keeps it simple with a focus on sweet and spicy flavors. If you’re looking for a similar recipe, you might also try searching for “Thai sweet chili sauce” or “Korean chili paste.”
Ingredients: Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious homemade sweet chili sauce:
- * ½ cup rice vinegar
- * ¾ cup granulated sugar
- * ¾ cup water
- * 2 tablespoons chili paste (Sambal)
- * 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- * 2 finely grated garlic cloves
- * ½ peeled, finely grated carrot (about ¼ cup grated)
- * ½ peeled, small turnip, finely grated (about 2 tablespoons) – optional
- * 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- * 1 tablespoon water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- 2. Add the chili paste, red pepper flakes, garlic, grated carrot, and grated turnip (if using). Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- 3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- 4. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and stir to combine.
- 5. Continue to simmer the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency.
- 6. Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Approximate Calories: 120 per serving
Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips
This homemade sweet chili sauce recipe works because it balances sweet and spicy flavors perfectly. The rice vinegar adds a tangy note, while the grated carrot and turnip provide a subtle sweetness. For an extra kick, you can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers, as a marinade for meats or vegetables, or as a sauce for noodles or stir-fries. Try pairing it with our Korean-Style BBQ Beef Tacos or Thai-Style Green Curry for a delicious and easy meal.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
To store your homemade sweet chili sauce, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 6 months. Simply thaw the frozen sauce in the refrigerator or at room temperature when you’re ready to use it. To reheat the sauce, simply whisk it over low heat until warmed through.
People Also Ask: Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

What is sweet chili sauce used for?
Sweet chili sauce is a versatile condiment used in many Asian cuisines. It’s perfect as a dipping sauce for appetizers, a marinade for meats or vegetables, or as a sauce for noodles or stir-fries. You can also use it as a topping for tacos or grilled meats.
How do you make homemade sweet chili sauce?
Making homemade sweet chili sauce is easy! Simply combine rice vinegar, sugar, water, chili paste, garlic, and grated carrot and turnip (if using) in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens. Add a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce further, then let it cool to room temperature.
Is sweet chili sauce hot?
Sweet chili sauce has a spicy kick from the chili paste and red pepper flakes, but it’s not overwhelmingly hot. You can adjust the level of heat to your taste by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes.
What is sweet chili sauce made of?
Sweet chili sauce is typically made from a combination of sugar, vinegar, water, chili paste, garlic, and sometimes additional ingredients like ketchup or hoisin sauce. This recipe keeps it simple with a focus on sweet and spicy flavors.
Conclusion: Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe
This homemade sweet chili sauce recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves Asian-inspired flavors. With its perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, it’s a versatile condiment that’s perfect for a variety of dishes.
Try it as a dipping sauce, marinade, or sauce, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Asia in the comfort of your own home. Share your results with us, or comment below with your favorite ways to use sweet chili sauce!
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Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet and spicy, this homemade sweet chili sauce recipe is a game-changer for any Asian-inspired dish. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s easy to whip up a batch and store it in the fridge for later. Try it as a marinade, dipping sauce, or stir-fry sauce – the possibilities are endless!
Ingredients
- ½ cup rice vinegar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup water
- 2 tablespoons chili paste (Sambal)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 finely grated garlic cloves
- ½ peeled, finely grated carrot (about ¼ cup grated)
- ½ peeled, small turnip, finely grated (about 2 tablespoons) – optional
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, water, chili paste, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated garlic, carrot, and turnip (if using).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and stir until the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Notes
Tips: For a thicker sauce, cook the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes. To make ahead, store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also customize the level of spiciness to your liking by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: sweet chili sauce, homemade, Asian-inspired, condiment