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Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe (Better Than Store-Bought)

Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • cup rice vinegar
  • ½ to 2 tablespoons sambal oelek
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger finely grated

Instructions

  • Whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until well combined then set aside.
    1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons cold water
  • In a small saucepan, whisk together the water, sugar, rice vinegar, sambal oelek, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
    ½ cup granulated sugar, ⅓ cup rice vinegar, ½ to 2 tablespoons sambal oelek, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
  • Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  • Whisk the cornstarch slurry again, then slowly whisk it into the simmering sauce.
  • Simmer 30–60 seconds until glossy and thick enough to coat a spoon. Remove from heat and let it cool for 5–10 minutes to finish thickening.

How to Store Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.

Notes

  • The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce. Actual calories will vary.
  • You can make this sauce as mild or as spicy as you like:
      • Mild: start with ½ tablespoon sambal oelek.
      • Medium: 1 tablespoon is a good starting point.
      • Spicy: go up to 2 tablespoons.
  • I love to use garlic paste and ginger paste because it mixes so easily. Fresh garlic and ginger is listed in the ingredients because they're easier to find.
Nutrition Facts
Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe (Better Than Store-Bought)
Serving Size
 
2 tablespoons
Amount per Serving
Calories
59
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.1
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.003
g
0
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.01
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
0.001
g
Sodium
 
127
mg
6
%
Potassium
 
17
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
14
g
5
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
13
g
14
%
Protein
 
0.3
g
1
%
Vitamin A
 
4
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
3
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.1
mg
1
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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