Description
Learn how to make fresh and customizable sweet chili sauce at home with simple natural ingredients. This vibrant and versatile condiment balances sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, perfect for enhancing grilled vegetables, crispy snacks, salads, and dipping dishes. Easy to prepare and adjust to your preferred heat level, it keeps well refrigerated and adds a delicious burst of flavor to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- Fresh red chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust seeds for heat)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent (such as pectin or agar)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the fresh red chili peppers, keeping seeds if extra heat is desired or removing them for milder flavor. Mince the garlic cloves to evenly infuse their aroma into the sauce.
- Combine and Cook: In a saucepan, add apple cider vinegar, water, granulated sugar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer gently.
- Add Chilies and Garlic: Stir in the chopped chili peppers and minced garlic. Continue to cook for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chilies to soften while maintaining their vibrant color.
- Thicken with Natural Gelling Agent: Slowly sprinkle the natural gelling agent into the sauce while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly but remains pourable with a luscious texture.
- Cool and Store: Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Transfer to a clean glass jar or bottle and refrigerate. The sauce will thicken further and develop more intense flavors as it rests.
Notes
- Use fresh chili peppers and garlic for the best flavor brightness and complexity.
- Adjust sugar gradually to balance sweetness and tanginess according to your taste.
- Stir continuously when adding the natural gelling agent to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Allow the sauce to chill for several hours to deepen its flavors before serving.
- Experiment with different chili types such as serrano, cayenne, or fresno for unique spice profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: sweet chili sauce, homemade chili sauce, spicy dipping sauce, vegetarian chili sauce, vegan condiment, Asian sauce, sweet and spicy sauce