Description
This BEST Sweet Chili Sauce recipe is a perfectly balanced homemade condiment combining tangy rice vinegar, sweetness from cane sugar, and a spicy kick from sambal oelek or dried chili flakes. Ideal for dipping, drizzling, or marinating, this sauce is thickened slightly with cornstarch and flavored with garlic, ginger, and tamari for a rich umami depth.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Liquid Ingredients
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 tablespoon rice wine (can substitute dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon tamari or soy sauce (use tamari for gluten free)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
- 1-2 drops natural red food coloring (optional)
Dry and Flavoring Ingredients
- 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons cane sugar (or granular sweetener alternative like erythritol for sugar-free)
- 1 tablespoon sambal oelek (adjust more or less to taste) OR 1-2 teaspoons dried red chili flakes (very hot, start with less)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons finely minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon finely minced ginger
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place rice vinegar, water, cane sugar, rice wine, sambal oelek or chili flakes, garlic, ginger, and tamari or soy sauce into a small saucepan.
- Bring to a Boil: Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring regularly until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture starts to boil.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch mixture slowly while continuously stirring. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
- Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool completely. Optionally add natural red food coloring at this point for vibrant color. Pour the cooled sauce into an airtight jar.
- Refrigerate: Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to one week for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- The sauce will thicken more as it cools; adjust cornstarch slightly if you want a thinner or thicker consistency.
- Sambal oelek adds a milder chili heat compared to dried chili flakes which are very potent — start with small amounts if uncertain.
- This sauce can be used as a dip, marinade, or glaze for a variety of Asian-inspired dishes.
- Substitute tamari for soy sauce to make the sauce gluten free.
- Naturally sweeten with erythritol or other granular sweeteners to make a sugar-free version.
- Add natural red food coloring only if you desire a brighter color; it has no effect on taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
