Is store-bought sweet chili sauce really worth it when you can make a better, healthier version at home in under 15 minutes?
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s worth skipping that bottle of sweet chili sauce in your cart for a homemade batch, you’re in for a spicy surprise. Most commercial sauces are loaded with refined sugar, modified tapioca, and even food coloring—and let’s not forget that overpowering salt hit from unnecessary additives. This recipe delivers Thai-inspired flavor, naturally sweetened and bursting with real red chili, all in a single sauce pot—fast, fresh, and 100% kid-approved.
In today’s recipe, you’ll learn how to make sweet chili sauce from scratch, packed with bold Asian flavors, real ingredients like chili peppers, rice vinegar, and soy sauce, and absolutely zero compromises.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you need to create this sensational sweet chili sauce at home:
Main Ingredients:
- ½ cup rice vinegar (or rice wine vinegar)
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup cane sugar or granulated sweetener
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional for depth)
- 2 tsp sambal oelek (or sub with chili garlic sauce or hot sauce)
- 1 tbsp finely minced ginger root
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp corn starch mixed in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp water)
- 1 tsp red chili flakes or hot chili flakes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Xanthan Gum (optional for added thickness)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 tsp Balsamic Vinegar (adds umami depth)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper
- ½ tsp korean red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp simple syrup for sweetness layering
- 1 tbsp crushed roasted peanuts for texture
- Few pieces chopped Thai jalapeños or Jalapeño peppers for extra heat
💡 Substitution Tip: No sambal oelek? Use Trader Joe’s Sweet and Spicy Chili Sauce or duck sauce as a base and adjust heat with red chili flakes.
Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7–10 minutes
- Total Time: 12–15 minutes
Compared to the average homemade chili sauce (often 20–25 minutes), this version shaves off nearly 40% of the time, making it perfect for weeknight dinners and last-minute dips.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Build the Base in Your Sauce Pot
Pour rice vinegar, water, and cane sugar (or sweetener) into a sauce pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring to dissolve.
🔥 Pro Tip: Don’t skip stirring—simple syrup forms best when sugar fully dissolves before adding heat.
Step 2: Add Flavor Boosters
Stir in soy sauce, sambal oelek, chili garlic sauce, ginger root, and garlic. Allow the mix to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Adjust the Heat
Add red chili flakes, korean red pepper flakes, or fresh red chili peppers depending on your heat preference. Add smoked paprika for depth and color.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Mix 1 tbsp corn starch with 1 tbsp water to create a cornstarch slurry. Add slowly while stirring until sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Finish with Sesame Oil
Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil. Taste and adjust with extra Balsamic Vinegar, fish sauce, or a splash of soy sauce if needed.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Let sauce cool completely before transferring to a sterilized jar. Shake before use.
🍶 Makes approx. 1 cup of Sweet and Spicy Chili Sauce – enough for multiple meals or dipping adventures.
Nutritional Information (Per 1 tbsp serving)
- Calories: 30
- Carbs: 6g
- Sugars: 5g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 220mg
✅ Naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly (if omitting fish sauce)
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Want to enjoy sweet chili sauce guilt-free?
- Use a sugar free alternative like granulated sweetener or simple syrup made from monk fruit.
- Replace corn starch with Xanthan Gum or arrowroot powder for low-carb versions.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes paste to enhance body and umami without extra sodium.
- Swap out soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free, lower-sodium option.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet chili sauce isn’t just for dipping! Try it with:
- Spring rolls, egg rolls, or coconut shrimp
- As a glaze for chicken wings
- Drizzled over Shrimp Fried Rice
- Base sauce for Sweet Teriyaki Chicken Dinner
- On top of grilled tofu or veggies
- Swirled onto whole-wheat pizza crust with Yum Yum sauce for fusion-style pizza
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping cornstarch slurry: Leads to watery sauce.
- Overheating the sauce pot: Can burn the sugar and affect flavor.
- Adding sesame oil too early: Kills the nutty aroma—add last!
- Using only one heat element: Combine flakes + paste for layered heat.
- Over-salting: Avoid doubling soy sauce and fish sauce without tasting.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Refrigerate in a glass jar for up to 3 weeks.
- Use clean spoons only—cross-contamination reduces shelf life.
- For long-term use, freeze in small silicone ice cube trays and defrost as needed.
- Want to gift it? Store in sterilized jars with small font size printed labels for a homemade touch.
Conclusion
Homemade sweet chili sauce delivers unmatched freshness, customizable heat, and real ingredients—all without the preservatives or price tag of store-bought versions. It’s fast, family-approved, and endlessly versatile.
👉 Try it today, leave a comment below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more quick comfort food recipes tailored to your busy lifestyle.
FAQs
Can I make this sweet chili sauce without sugar?
Yes! Use a sugar free alternative like monk fruit or granulated sweetener. It still creates a great simple syrup base.
How spicy is this recipe?
It’s customizable. Mild with sambal oelek only; spicy with korean red pepper flakes or Thai jalapeños.
What’s the difference between chili sauce and sweet chili sauce?
Chili sauce is thicker, more tomato-based. Sweet chili sauce is thinner, sweetened, and more vinegar-forward—common in Asian cuisine and European Chinese restaurant dishes.
Can I use it as a stir-fry sauce?
Absolutely! Combine with garlic, soy, and veggies for instant stir-fry sauces.
Is this the same as Trader Joe’s or HOUSE OF TSANG sauces?
Similar, but this version is fresher, cleaner, and adjustable. If you love Trader Joe’s, this will blow your expectations.
