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Sweet Chili Sauce

A sticky, sweet, and mildly spicy Thai-inspired dipping sauce. Incredible with spring rolls, dumplings, chicken strips, or as a glaze for grilled seafood.

25 minEasyServes 1640 cal/serving

ThaiSauceStovetopVegetarianVeganStandardLow CarbKosher-styleDairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeSoy-FreeLow-SodiumPork-Free

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Ingredients

  • 4 red Fresno or Thai red chilies, seeded, minced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine 4 seeded, minced red Fresno or Thai red chilies, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan.

  2. 2

    Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

  3. 3

    Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the mixture reduces slightly.

  4. 4

    In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp cold water (for slurry) to make a slurry.

  5. 5

    Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce turns glossy and thick.

  6. 6

    Season with 1/4 tsp kosher salt and remove from heat.

  7. 7

    Let cool before transferring to a bottle or jar. Keeps refrigerated for up to 1 month.

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Questions

Why mix the cornstarch with water first in Sweet Chili Sauce?

Step 4 reads: "In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp cold water (for slurry) to make a slurry." Dry starch clumps the moment it meets hot liquid. The slurry in step 4 disperses it first, and it only thickens once the sauce comes back to a simmer.

What can I use instead of rice vinegar in Sweet Chili Sauce?

The entry for Sweet Chili Sauce calls for 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar. In its place: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, softened with a pinch of sugar, is close. Avoid plain distilled vinegar at full strength, which is much sharper.

How hot is Sweet Chili Sauce?

Moderately. The heat in Sweet Chili Sauce comes from 4 red Fresno or Thai red chilies, seeded, minced. For a milder plate, remove the seeds and ribs from the red chilies, or use half; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Is Sweet Chili Sauce keto-friendly?

A serving of Sweet Chili Sauce carries 10 g of carbohydrate. Against a strict 20 g keto day that is 50 percent of the budget; against a moderate 100 g low-carb day it is 10 percent.

How many calories are in Sweet Chili Sauce?

One serving (the recipe makes 16) is about 40 calories, with 0 g protein, 10 g carbohydrate and 0 g fat, plus 160 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

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