Name: Homemade Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 80 grams Red chilli pepper (about 2.8 oz or 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)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 3 reviews

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If you have ever craved a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors all wrapped in one versatile condiment, this Homemade Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe is about to become your new kitchen staple. Made from fresh red chillies, garlic, vinegar, and sugar, this sauce bursts with vibrant color and lively flavors that elevate everything from spring rolls to fried chicken. What makes it even better is how simple it is to whip up—a little simmer here, a touch of stirring there, and you have a beautifully thickened sauce that’s just bursting with personality. Trust me, once you taste and make this sauce yourself, store-bought versions will seem dull in comparison!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden tray holds six small bowls on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, there is a clear glass bowl with a small amount of light yellow oil, next to it on the right is a white bowl with white granulated salt. Below them, in the middle left, there is a glass bowl full of white sugar, and next to it on the right is an empty clear glass bowl. To the right of the empty bowl is a smaller glass bowl containing white flour. At the bottom left, a white bowl contains five peeled garlic cloves, and next to it on the right is a small wooden bowl with five bright red chili peppers with green stems. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this Homemade Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe couldn’t be more straightforward. The ingredients list is simple and accessible, but each component plays a crucial role—from the fiery kick of fresh red chillies to the balancing tang of vinegar, and the sweetness that the sugar provides. These elements combine perfectly to give your sauce that irresistible texture, flavor, and color that make it so memorable.

80 grams Red chilli pepper: Fresh chillies add a fresh, vibrant heat and bright red color; you can substitute with dried crushed chilli flakes if fresh isn’t available.
120 ml Distilled white vinegar: Provides a sharp tang that balances the sweetness and gives the sauce its signature bite.
100 grams Sugar: Sweetens the sauce perfectly, creating a luscious contrast to the spicy chillies.
120 ml Water: Helps achieve the perfect consistency and dilutes the heat just slightly.
2 tbsp Garlic (minced): Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the sauce’s flavor profile.
1 tsp Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and rounds out the taste.
1 tbsp Cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water): Thickens the sauce beautifully, giving it that slightly glossy, clingy finish ideal for dipping.

How to Make Homemade Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Blend Chillies, Garlic, and Water

Start by combining fresh red chillies, minced garlic, and water in a food processor. Pulse just until the chillies are roughly chopped—this keeps the texture pleasantly chunky and gives the sauce a fresh, bright bite. If you’re using dried chilli flakes instead, you can skip the blending step and move straight to simmering.

Step 2: Simmer with Sugar, Vinegar, and Salt

Transfer the chopped chilli mixture to a pot, then stir in sugar, distilled white vinegar, and salt. Turn the heat on medium and let it come to a gentle simmer. This slow simmering allows the sugar to dissolve completely and the flavors to marry into a harmonious blend. It usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes, and you’ll notice the sauce taking on a wonderful aroma that hints at what’s to come.

Step 3: Thicken with Cornstarch Slurry

Now it’s time to add the cornstarch slurry—cornstarch mixed with water—to the pot. Stir continuously as the sauce cooks for a few more minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. This step is crucial because it ensures the sauce clings beautifully to whatever you dip into it, whether it’s crispy spring rolls or grilled chicken skewers.

Step 4: Cool and Store

Once thickened to your liking, remove the sauce from heat and let it cool completely. Transfer it to a clean jar or bottle and seal it tightly. Your Homemade Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe can be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed for weeks, making it the perfect condiment to keep on hand for spontaneous snack cravings or dinner upgrades.

How to Serve Homemade Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe

A clear glass jar filled with a bright orange chunky sauce made of finely chopped red and white bits, with a wooden spoon holding some of the sauce above the jar, showing its thick and glossy texture. The jar is on a white marbled surface, with a beige cloth and a white ceramic pot on a wooden coaster blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten up your dipping station by adding thinly sliced fresh chillies or a sprinkle of chopped fresh coriander on top of the sauce when serving. These garnishes add a pop of color and a hint of extra flavor that perfectly complements the sauce’s sweetness and spice.

Side Dishes

This homemade sauce pairs fantastically with a variety of side dishes. Think crispy spring rolls, fragrant dumplings, or even roasted veggies. It’s particularly amazing with fried chicken or tempura-style battered foods—it adds the perfect sweet and spicy kick that brings the whole dish to life.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your sauce presentation up a notch by serving it in small, decorative dipping bowls or ramekins alongside sliders or mini kebabs. You can also drizzle it lightly over grilled meats or use it as a glaze for roasted vegetables. No matter how you serve it, this sauce will steal the show and leave your guests asking for more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Homemade Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight jar or container to preserve its vibrant flavors and prevent spoilage. Properly stored, the sauce remains delicious for up to three weeks.

Freezing

If you want to keep this sauce for longer periods, freezing is an option though it may slightly affect the texture. Pour the sauce into a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before use.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or briefly in the microwave to bring your sauce back to serving temperature. Stir occasionally to restore its silky consistency, and avoid boiling to keep the flavors balanced and fresh.

FAQs

Can I adjust the heat level in this Homemade Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe?

Absolutely! You can reduce or increase the number of chillies or swap fresh chillies for milder or hotter varieties depending on your spice preference. Using dried chilli flakes also lets you control the intensity more precisely.

Is this sauce vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, this sauce is naturally vegan and gluten-free as it contains only simple ingredients like fresh chillies, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and cornstarch. Just make sure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

Can I use this sauce as a marinade?

Definitely! Its sweet and tangy profile makes it an excellent base for marinating chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Just combine the sauce with a little oil and let your protein soak up the flavors before cooking.

How long does the sauce last once made?

Stored correctly in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, your Homemade Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe will stay fresh and delicious for about three weeks. Always use a clean spoon to scoop out the sauce to avoid contamination.

What can I do if my sauce is too thick or too thin?

If it’s thicker than you like, stir in a little warm water to loosen it up. If it’s too runny, simmer it gently a bit longer until it reduces to your desired consistency. The cornstarch slurry also helps you quickly adjust thickness during cooking.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Homemade Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe is such a rewarding kitchen triumph. It’s quick, simple, and bursting with fresh flavor that truly elevates your favorite dishes. Once you’ve experienced how vibrant and versatile this sauce is, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again. So go ahead—grab those chillies, get simmering, and prepare to impress everyone at your table with this irresistible homemade treasure!

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