Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe

If you’ve ever craved that perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy in a dipping sauce, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe. It’s wonderfully vibrant, bursting with fresh red chillies and garlic, and has just the right amount of bite combined with a mellow sweetness that’s utterly addictive. Making this at home is incredibly rewarding because you control the heat and flavor, and it instantly elevates your snacks, grilled dishes, and even everyday meals to something special. Trust me, once you try this homemade version, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key for this Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe. Each item brings its own magic—whether it’s the sharp tang of rice wine vinegar, the punch from fresh chillies, or the perfect sweetness from sugar, these elements combine beautifully to create that signature sauce.

• White sugar: Essential for the sweet backbone of the sauce and helps balance the heat perfectly.
• Water: Used to dissolve the sugar and simmer the ingredients to meld flavors.
• Rice wine vinegar: Adds a crisp, sharp acidity that gives the sauce its lively tang.
• Garlic cloves: Finely chopped for a fragrant, aromatic depth that complements the chillies.
• Long red chillies or cayenne peppers: The star of the show providing the signature heat and vibrant color with seeds included for extra kick.
• Cornflour (corn starch): Mixed with cold water to thicken the sauce to that perfect glossy and slightly sticky consistency.
• Cold water (for cornflour mix): Ensures a smooth slurry that prevents lumps when thickening the sauce.

How to Make Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chillies

Start by handling the long red chillies with care—they generally have a mild heat but sometimes a little more than you might expect. To stay safe, wear disposable gloves if you’d like when chopping. Remove the stems, split them lengthwise, and finely chop the chillies keeping those seeds intact because that’s where a lot of the heat lives. If you prefer, a small food processor can speed this up, but avoid pureeing to retain texture.

Step 2: Combine and Boil

In a small saucepan, add the sugar, water, rice wine vinegar, finely chopped garlic, and chillies. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to help dissolve the sugar. Once boiling, crank up the heat a bit and let the sauce simmer rapidly for about 12 minutes. This cooks the flavors together and slightly reduces the liquid.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

While your sauce simmers, mix the cornflour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a smooth slurry. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer then stir this mixture into the sauce, making sure to keep stirring because the cornflour tends to settle if made too far in advance. Cook for another 3 minutes until the sauce turns glossy and perfectly thickened.

Step 4: Cool and Bottle

Once thickened, take the saucepan off the heat and allow the sauce to cool for a few minutes. This step lets the chillies distribute evenly throughout the sauce so you get a consistent flavor in every spoonful. Pour the mixture into a sterilised jar or bottle, and when it reaches room temperature, store it in the refrigerator. Your homemade sweet chilli sauce will keep beautifully for up to three months.

How to Serve Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of freshness and color, sprinkle some finely chopped spring onions or fresh coriander over foods drizzled with this sweet chilli sauce. A little toasted sesame seed can also add a nutty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the sauce’s sweet and spicy notes.

Side Dishes

This Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe pairs like a dream with crispy spring rolls, grilled chicken skewers, and even stir-fried vegetables. It’s also fantastic as a dipping sauce for lightly fried tofu or drizzled over steamed dumplings for a vibrant flavor boost.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your sauce beyond the usual by using it as a glaze for roasted salmon, mixing it into salad dressings for a spicy-sweet zing, or swirling it into a creamy yogurt dip. Serving it chilled in small ramekins alongside finger foods encourages guests to customize their own dipping experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This sweet chilli sauce can be stored in an airtight container or bottle in the refrigerator for up to three months. Make sure to use a clean spoon when scooping out sauce to keep it fresh and avoid contamination.

Freezing

While not necessary, if you want to freeze the sauce, use a freezer-safe container. Leave some headspace as the sauce may expand slightly. Thaw it slowly in the refrigerator before use, then stir well to recombine.

Reheating

You generally don’t need to reheat this sauce; it tastes excellent at room temperature or chilled. If you do want to warm it up slightly, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring continuously to preserve its texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I adjust the heat level in this Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe?

Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of chillies or remove some of the seeds to make the sauce milder. Conversely, you can add more chillies or even a pinch of cayenne powder if you like it hotter.

Is there a substitute for rice wine vinegar?

If you don’t have rice wine vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as alternatives. Just keep in mind that these may slightly alter the flavor profile but will still provide that necessary tang.

Can I make this sauce without cornflour?

Cornflour is used to thicken the sauce; without it, your sauce will remain runnier but still tasty. You can also experiment with arrowroot powder if you prefer a gluten-free thickener.

How long will the sauce last in the fridge?

When properly stored in a sterilised jar and refrigerated, your homemade sweet chilli sauce can last up to three months. Always check the aroma and appearance before use.

Can I use dried chillies instead of fresh?

Using dried chillies will change the texture and flavor of the sauce, as fresh chillies provide moisture and a fresher taste. For the best results, stick with fresh long red chillies or cayenne peppers as indicated in the recipe.

Final Thoughts

There is something so endlessly satisfying about mastering a Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe at home—it’s simple, vibrant, and versatile, turning everyday meals into something exciting with its zingy sweetness and gentle heat. Give this recipe a go and keep a jar handy in your fridge because once you start using it, you’ll find your meals just aren’t complete without it. Happy cooking!

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