Sweet Chili Sauce

If you love all things sweet and spicy, then this homemade Sweet Chili Sauce will surely become your new favorite kitchen staple.  With just the right balance of heat and sweetness, this sauce is perfect for adding a flavorful kick to your dishes.  Whether drizzled on grilled chicken, used as a dipping sauce for crispy spring rolls, or a tasty marinade,  the sky is truly the limit with options.  Today, I am excited to share my recipe for this sauce, made with easy ingredients and even easier steps.

P.S.- My recipe taste very similar to the mae ploy sweet chili sauce, which is my all time favorite! If you want to make sweet chili sauce at home, this recipe is for you!

Use this sauce to marinade your chicken for a quick, Sweet Teriyaki Chicken Dinner, or try it with Chinese Takeout Wings. You can even substitute the Yum Yum sauce for this in the Shrimp Fried Rice! 

Ingredients You’ll Need (Full Recipe Below)

• Sugar- I use granulated sugar in the recipe, but you can also use raw cane sugar, or even brown sugar. Results may vary!
• Water- You’ll need water for the cornstarch slurry, and for the simple syrup!
• Vinegar-This is going to add acid to your sauce
• Red Pepper Flakes—Add more if you want your sauce to be spicier, and less if you want it to be less spicy!
• Smoked Paprika- Paprika gives this sauce COLOR!
• Garlic- The more garlic, the better!
• Soy Sauce- This is going to add a nice sodium level to your sauce.
• Cornstarch- This will thicken your sauce!

What Is Sweet Chili Sauce?

This sauce is a classic condiment in Asian cuisine, especially Thai and Vietnamese. It is sweet, spicy, and sour. You can usually find it premade in most grocery stores in the Asian or International Aisle, but you know everything is better when made from scratch. If you are a fan of Sweet and Sour Sauce, then try out Sweet Chili!

Why everyone loves this Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

1. It’s so easy- Seriously, you can make this with your eyes closed! I love how quickly it comes together!
2. It’s perfect on everything- I can’t think of anything this sauce doesn’t belong on, whether it’s meat, fried foods, or as a dipping sauce, etc.!
3. You can customize it – We appreciate a sauce that can be adjusted, and this is one of them. Want it spicier? You can! Prefer a less sweet sauce? Go for it. Adjust!

How to make Sweet Chili Sauce

1. Make your simple syrup
2. Add in your ingredients
3. Thicken with cornstarch

How can I use it?

I love using Sweet chili to make Sweet Chili Salmon, Sweet Chili Flatbread, or even my famous Sweet Chili turkey bowls! This sauce is so versatile; you can use it on absolutely anything! It’s a great dipping sauce, it even goes on burgers, and it’s amazing on meat!

Can I Make This Sauce Hotter? 

Adding crushed red pepper can really elevate the flavor profile of your dish and give it a nice kick of heat. Just be cautious about how much you add, as it can quickly overpower the other flavors if you’re not careful. It’s always best to start with a small amount and adjust to your preferred level of spiciness.

How do I store Sweet Chili Sauce?

To store sweet chili, place it in an airtight glass jar or container. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent air from entering. Store the sweet chili in the refrigerator, where it can be kept for up to 3 months. It’s best to label the jar with the date it was made to keep track of its freshness.