Sweet Chili Sauce—oh, the mere mention conjures images of sticky fingers and the irresistible mix of sweet and spicy. It’s like that catchy tune you can’t stop humming, even if the words escape you. Whether drizzling it over crispy spring rolls or using it as a zesty dip for your favorite snacks, this sauce adds a spark of flavor that turns ordinary meals into something extraordinary—like fireworks on a mundane Tuesday night.
Steps
- In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tablespoon sambal oelek.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture becomes clear.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch in 1 tablespoon water, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan and continue to stir while cooking over medium heat.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, allowing the cornstarch to thicken the mixture and turn it from cloudy to clear.
- Once thickened, the sweet chili sauce is ready to use immediately or can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sambal oelek
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water (for dissolving cornstarch)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 18.83 kcal | Carbohydrates: 4.93 g | Protein: 0 g | Fat: 0 g | Sodium: 75.1 mg | Fiber: 0 g
FAQ
- What is Sweet Chili Sauce?
- Sweet chili sauce is a simple condiment that combines sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Often referred to as Thai Sweet Chili Sauce, it is similar to sweet and sour sauce but with an added spicy twist. It pairs well with tofu, chicken, seafood, and vegetables.
- How can Sweet Chili Sauce be used?
- You can use sweet chili sauce as a dipping sauce or drizzle it over your favorite dishes. It complements meals like Sweet Chili Tofu Bowls, Coconut Crusted Tofu, Sweet Chili Chicken Stir Fry, and makes a great dip for chicken wings, nuggets, or dumplings.
- What is a shortcut to making Sweet Chili Sauce?
- Instead of making sweet chili sauce from scratch, you can use sambal oelek, a mix of red chiles and vinegar. This simplifies the process while still delivering the desired flavors.
- Where can I find sambal oelek?
- Sambal oelek is available in major grocery stores, typically in the international foods section near sriracha. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in stir fry sauces, on eggs, rice bowls, and more.
- How do you make a quick Sweet Chili Sauce?
- To make an easy sweet chili sauce, combine rice vinegar, sugar, water, and sambal oelek in a pot and heat until the sugar dissolves. Then, add a cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce. The sauce can be used immediately or stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Tips
- Use rice vinegar instead of other types of vinegar to maintain a balanced tangy flavor without making the sauce overly sour.
- Dissolve cornstarch in water before adding it to the sauce mixture to ensure a smooth and even thickening process.
- Utilize sambal oelek as a convenient substitute for fresh red chiles, as it provides the necessary heat and acidity for the sauce.
- Store the homemade sweet chili sauce in the refrigerator and use it within one week to ensure freshness and optimal flavor.
Equipment
- Small Sauce Pot – Used for heating and mixing the ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Essential for accurately measuring the ingredients like rice vinegar, sugar, water, and sambal oelek.
- Whisk or Stirring Spoon – Needed to stir the mixture and ensure that the sugar dissolves and the cornstarch is evenly mixed.
