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Sweet Chili Sauce

A delightful condiment that marries sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for enhancing various dishes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12 tablespoons
Course: Appetizer, Condiment
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 50
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 1 cup water Clear and cooling, providing the perfect base for your sauce.
  • 1 cup sugar The sweet crystal magic that balances the spiciness.
  • ¼ cup vinegar Adds a tangy kick that brightens the sauce.
Flavoring Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes Intensifies the heat to your desired level.
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika Adds a rich, smoky depth to the flavor profile.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce Enhances umami and rounds out the sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic Provides warmth and complexity.
Thickening Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch The secret ingredient for thickening your sauce to perfection.
  • 3 tablespoons water Used to create a slurry for smooth integration.

Method
 

Prepare the Syrup
  1. Boil the water together with the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the mixture becomes clear and the sugar dissolves completely.
Add Flavorings
  1. Add in the vinegar, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and soy sauce. Mix these ingredients well until they are fully combined.
Simmer the Sauce
  1. Add the minced garlic into the sauce and let the mixture simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Thicken the Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and the remaining 3 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Gradually add this slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring consistently until you notice that the sauce thickens.
  2. Simmer for an additional 2 to 5 minutes while stirring frequently to reach your desired consistency.
Cool and Store
  1. Remove the sauce from the heat and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, store the sauce in a sealed container in the fridge.

Notes

To adjust heat, modify the amount of red pepper flakes. For sweeter sauce, increase sugar slightly. Consider adding finely grated ginger for additional depth.