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Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

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4.2 from 15 reviews

This vibrant Sweet Chili Sauce recipe combines the natural sweetness of honey and orange juice with the tangy zest of rice vinegar and a spicy kick from chili flakes. Perfect as a dipping sauce, marinade, or stir-fry enhancer, this easy-to-make sauce uses simple pantry staples and thickens quickly with a cornstarch slurry for a glossy finish. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a delicious addition to elevate your favorite dishes with a balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 14 servings

Ingredients

Liquid Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup (75ml) water, plus 1 tablespoon divided
  • 1/3 cup (75ml) orange juice (from 1 medium-large fresh orange if using fresh)
  • 1/3 cup (112g) honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

Seasonings

  • 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic)
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust based on desired spice level)
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or 1/4 teaspoon table or sea salt)

Thickening Agent

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, add 1/3 cup water, orange juice, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, chili flakes, and salt. This forms the flavorful base of your sweet chili sauce.
  2. Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until completely smooth and free of lumps. This slurry will thicken the sauce.
  3. Heat Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the liquid mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent burning. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low.
  4. Thicken Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry again to re-incorporate any settled starch and pour it into the simmering saucepan. Stir thoroughly to combine, then let the sauce simmer on medium-low heat for 5 minutes until it thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency.
  5. Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sweet chili sauce to cool for about 10 minutes. Once cooled to room temperature, transfer it into a glass jar and seal tightly. Refrigerate and use within one month for best flavor and freshness.
  6. Serve: Use your homemade sweet chili sauce as a delightful dipping sauce for appetizers, a glaze for grilled meats or seafood, or a flavorful addition to stir-fry dishes.

Notes

  • Adjust chili flakes according to your spice preference; start with 1/2 teaspoon for mild heat.
  • Fresh orange juice adds brightness but bottled juice works well too.
  • Ensure the cornstarch slurry is well mixed and lumps-free before adding to avoid clumps.
  • Store sauce in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 1 month.
  • If sauce becomes too thick after refrigeration, gently warm and stir in a splash of water to loosen.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/sweet-chili-sauce-recipe/