Sweet Chilli Sauce with Fresh Chillies Recipe

Introduction

Sweet chilli sauce is a versatile condiment that adds a perfect balance of heat and sweetness to any dish. Made from fresh or dried chillies, garlic, and a tangy vinegar base, this homemade sauce is easy to prepare and elevates everything from appetizers to grilled meats.

Ingredients

• 80 grams red chilli pepper (about 2.8 oz / ½ cup) or 2-3 tbsp dried crushed chilli flakes
• 120 ml distilled white vinegar (about ½ cup)
• 100 grams sugar (about ½ cup)
• 120 ml water (about ½ cup)
• 2 tbsp garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)

Instructions

1. Step 1: If using fresh chillies, blend the chillies, minced garlic, and water in a food processor until roughly chopped. Skip this step if using dried chilli flakes.
2. Step 2: Transfer the mixture to a pot. Add sugar, vinegar, and salt, then bring it to a simmer. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Step 3: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to a clean jar for storage.
5. Alternate Step for Dried Chillies: Combine sugar, water, vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and dried chilli flakes directly in a saucepan. Follow Steps 2 to 4 as above without blending.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder sauce, remove the seeds from fresh chillies before blending.
• Add a splash of lime juice for a citrusy twist.
• Use honey instead of sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• Adjust the thickness by varying the amount of cornstarch slurry.

Storage

Store sweet chilli sauce in an airtight jar or bottle in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 weeks. Before using, give it a good stir or gently warm to restore its consistency if it has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chillies?

Yes, you can use any mild or hot chillies depending on your heat preference. Adjust the quantity accordingly to balance the spice.

Is this sauce suitable for vegans?

Yes, this sweet chilli sauce is made with plant-based ingredients and is suitable for vegans.

Sweet Chilli Sauce with Fresh Chillies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 97 reviews

A simple and flavorful Sweet Chilli Sauce recipe that can be made with fresh red chillies or dried chilli flakes. This versatile sauce combines the perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and mild heat, making it an ideal accompaniment for grilled meats, spring rolls, or as a dipping sauce.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 1 cup (240 ml) of sweet chilli sauce 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For Sweet Chilli Sauce with Fresh Chillies

• 80 grams Red chilli pepper (About 2.8oz / ½ cup) or 2-3 tbsp dried crushed chilli flakes
• 120 ml Distilled white vinegar (About ½ cup)
• 100 grams Sugar (About ½ cup)
• 120 ml Water (About ½ cup)
• 2 tbsp Garlic (Minced)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (cornstarch slurry)

For Sweet Chilli Sauce with Dried Chillies

• 2–3 tbsp dried crushed chilli flakes
• 120 ml Distilled white vinegar (About ½ cup)
• 100 grams Sugar (About ½ cup)
• 120 ml Water (About ½ cup)
• 2 tbsp Garlic (Minced)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

1. Prepare Chillies: If using fresh red chillies, blend the chillies, minced garlic, and water in a food processor until roughly chopped to create the base for the sauce. If using dried chilli flakes, skip this step.
2. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the blended mixture to a pot (or directly use a saucepan with dried chilli flakes). Add sugar, distilled white vinegar, and salt to the pot.
3. Simmer Sauce: Heat the mixture on the stovetop and bring it to a simmer. Continue simmering and stir occasionally for 4 to 5 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Thicken Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the simmering sauce. Cook for an additional few minutes while stirring continuously until the sauce slightly thickens to a syrupy consistency.
5. Cool and Store: Remove the sauce from heat and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, pour the sweet chilli sauce into a clean jar or container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

• Using fresh chillies provides a brighter and fresher flavor, while dried chilli flakes offer convenience and a slightly different heat profile.
• The sauce can be adjusted for sweetness or heat by varying the amount of sugar or chillies used.
• The sauce should be stored refrigerated and consumed within 2 weeks for best flavor and safety.
• This sweet chilli sauce works well as a dip for spring rolls, grilled meats, or as a condiment for various Asian dishes.

Keywords: sweet chilli sauce, homemade chilli sauce, dipping sauce, Asian sauce, hot sauce, sweet and spicy sauce, easy sauce recipe