If you love a balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, this homemade sweet chili pepper sauce is just what you need. This sauce is a staple in many Asian cuisines and is incredibly versatile, working perfectly as a dipping sauce, marinade, or even a glaze. Store-bought versions are convenient, but nothing beats the fresh taste of a homemade batch. Plus, you can adjust the spice level to your liking!
Sweet Chili Pepper Thai Sauce Recipe
1
jar10
minutes20
minutes31
kcal30
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
6 6 Red chili peppers
3 3 Garlic cloves
120 ml 1/2 cup Rice vinegar
120 ml 1/2 cup Water
100 g 1/2 cup Sugar
1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon Salt
1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons Water (for cornstarch slurry)
1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon Fish sauce (optional)
Equipment
Blender or food processor- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
Directions
- Remove the stems from the red chili peppers and roughly chop them. If you prefer a milder sauce, remove the seeds.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped chili peppers, minced garlic, rice vinegar, water, and sugar. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Pour the blended mixture into a medium saucepan. Add the salt and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken and the flavors meld together.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly add this slurry to the simmering sauce while whisking continuously. This will thicken the sauce to your desired consistency. If you want a thicker sauce, you can add more slurry.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. You can add fish sauce for extra umami flavor. Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to a clean jar or bottle.
- Store your sweet chili pepper sauce in the refrigerator.
Notes
- If you prefer a milder sauce, use fewer chili peppers or remove the seeds before blending. For more heat, add a few bird’s eye chilies or keep the seeds in the peppers.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
You can adjust the spiciness by altering the amount of chili peppers or by removing the seeds. For a milder sauce, use fewer peppers or remove all the seeds. For a spicier sauce, add hotter peppers like bird’s eye chilies or keep the seeds in.
Can I use a different type of vinegar instead of rice vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute rice vinegar with white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even white wine vinegar. However, rice vinegar provides a subtle sweetness that complements the other flavors well.
How long can I store the sweet chili pepper sauce?
You can store the sauce in a clean, airtight jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Ensure the sauce is fully cooled before storing it to maintain its freshness.
Can I make the sauce thicker?
Yes, you can thicken the sauce by adding more cornstarch slurry. Mix additional cornstarch with water and gradually whisk it into the simmering sauce until you reach the desired consistency.
What dishes pair well with sweet chili pepper sauce?
This sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes, including spring rolls, grilled chicken, shrimp, fried tofu, and roasted vegetables. It also works great as a glaze for meats or as a dipping sauce for dumplings.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce turns out too thick, you can thin it by adding a bit more water or vinegar. Stir it in gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I freeze the sweet chili pepper sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce for longer storage. Pour the cooled sauce into an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using, and give it a good stir before serving.
Is it possible to make a sugar-free version of this sauce?
Yes, you can make a sugar-free version by using a sugar substitute like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener. Adjust the amount to taste, as these substitutes can be sweeter than sugar.
