Sweet Chili Sauce
A vibrant, sticky-sweet sauce with a gentle garlic kick and a slow-building chili warmth. Perfect for spring rolls, grilled meats, or as a stir-fry glaze, this homemade version skips the preservatives and lets you dial in the heat exactly how you like it.
For 8 servings
- mix
Make the cornstarch slurry.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of the measured water until completely smooth and lump-free.
- prep
Combine the base ingredients.
In a small saucepan off the heat, add the remaining water, sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, red chili flakes, and salt. Stir to dissolve the sugar as much as possible.
- simmer · ~5 min
Simmer the sauce.
1.Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.2.Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cornstarch slurry.3.Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, whisking frequently, until the sauce becomes glossy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.TIPKeep the heat gentle — high heat can break down the cornstarch and leave the sauce thin. - rest · ~20 min
Cool the sauce completely.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- serve
Transfer to a jar and serve.
Pour the cooled sauce into a clean glass jar. Serve immediately as a dipping sauce or glaze, or refrigerate for later use.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a smoother sauce, strain out the chili flakes and garlic bits after simmering.
- 2Toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil add a lovely nutty finish.
- 3This sauce thickens significantly as it cools, so remove it from heat while still a bit looser than desired.
- 4Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks — shake or stir before using.
- 5For a brighter flavor, stir in a teaspoon of fresh lime juice just before serving.
- 6Use a microplane to grate the garlic — it dissolves more evenly into the sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-sugar
Replace half the sugar with a zero-calorie sweetener like allulose or monk fruit — perfect for those cutting back on sugar without losing the sticky texture.
spicy gingerSpicy-ginger
Add 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger along with the garlic for a warm, zesty kick that pairs beautifully with seafood.
smoky chipotleSmoky-chipotle
Swap red chili flakes for 1–2 teaspoons of chipotle powder — ideal for a smoky, earthy heat on grilled meats or tacos.
fruit infusedFruit-infused
Simmer with 1/4 cup of finely diced mango or pineapple for a tropical sweet chili sauce — great as a glaze for chicken or shrimp.
garlic loverGarlic-lover
Double the garlic and let the cloves steep in the warm sauce for 10 minutes before straining — for an intense, mellow garlic depth.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Low in Fat
This sauce contains no oil or fat, making it a light, guilt-free addition to any meal.
Vegan and Gluten-Free
Made entirely from plant-based, naturally gluten-free ingredients — suitable for most dietary restrictions.
Rich in Antioxidants from Garlic
Garlic provides allicin, a compound linked to immune support and heart health, even in small amounts.
No Artificial Preservatives
Homemade means you control every ingredient — no stabilizers, artificial colors, or high-fructose corn syrup.
Frequently asked questions
You likely didn't simmer it long enough or used too high heat, which can break down the cornstarch. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon.
