Picture me, cruising my way through the fridge, on a mission to construct a culinary masterpiece from the treasures hidden in the depths of the crisper drawer. It was one of those days where I found solace in spontaneous experimentation. That’s when I stumbled upon the answer to at least 53.6% of my weekday dinner dilemmas – sweet chili sauce, the unsung hero of stir-fry.

It’s like tapping into my own little Millennium Falcon kitchen hyperdrive. All of a sudden, this seemingly innocuous bottle of sweet and spicy goodness becomes not only the guiding star for my stir-fries, but also the key to leveling up my kitchen confidence. It even makes the gochujang forgive me for not measuring it out every.single.time.

As someone who doubles as an amateur home cook and Mommy Nightly Dinner Crisis Manager, having a reliable buddy like sweet chili sauce keeps the chaos at bay. Sometimes I wonder if serendipity was playing a role in me finding out just how life-changing this condiment can be. Like this little bottle was just waiting to be discovered, whispering in my ear, “Hey, lady, give me a chance, and we’ll nail that glorious sauce together.”

Speaking of sauces, today I attempted a sweet chili-infused take on an already fabulous recipe. Buckle up, amigos, because you won’t want to miss the scrumptious, saucy goodness headed your way…

Ingredients

Soy sauce – A salty complement to balance out the sweetness from the honey and chili sauce.

Honey – A touch of natural sweetness to balance the soy sauce.

Sesame oil – Adds a nutty aroma and depth of flavor to the sauce.

Sweet chili sauce – The main source of heat and flavor in the sauce.

Rice wine vinegar – Adds a tangy punch to enhance the flavors.

Granulated garlic – Adds a sharp depth of flavor.

Red chili pepper – Adds extra heat, the amount can be adjusted based on personal preference.

Spring onions – A fresh and mild onion flavor, adds a green color to the sauce.

Instructions

Are you looking for a sauce to elevate your Asian-inspired dishes? Look no further than this sweet chili sauce recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started: a pan, and some ingredients such as soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, sweet chili sauce, rice wine vinegar, granulated garlic, a red chili pepper, and spring onions.

Notes:

If you’re in a pinch and don’t have honey, feel free to substitute it with agave or maple syrup.
And for the red chili pepper, if you want a milder sauce, you can remove the seeds or use a smaller pepper.

Serving Suggestions for Sweet Chili Sauce

This Sweet Chili Sauce recipe is the perfect addition to any Asian-inspired dish! Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

Over stir-fry. Add a generous drizzle of the sauce over your favorite stir-fry for a sweet and spicy kick. Try it with some veggies and tofu for a delicious vegetarian meal.
As a dipping sauce. Perfect for potstickers, egg rolls, or even chicken nuggets, this sauce is a crowd-pleaser for sure. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or fried wontons.
In a wrap. For a quick and easy lunch, wrap up some grilled chicken or tofu with veggies, rice, and a generous drizzle of this sauce. Trust me, it’s a flavor explosion!
On grilled meat. Brush some of this sauce over your favorite grilled meats like chicken, shrimp, or pork for a sweet and spicy twist. The sauce pairs especially well with a juicy and grilled steak.
In a salad. For a unique twist on a classic salad, drizzle some of this sweet chili sauce over mixed greens and your favorite veggies. You won’t be disappointed!

Remember, this sauce is easy to make and stores well in the refrigerator. So, make a big batch and enjoy its delicious flavors all week long!

FAQ’s

What can I use instead of soy sauce?

If you’re looking for a soy-free alternative, you can use coconut aminos or tamari sauce, both of which are gluten-free and have a similar flavor profile. If you’re avoiding soy for dietary reasons, you can also use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Can I use a different kind of honey?

Sure! You can use any kind of honey you have on hand for this recipe. If you want to make it vegan, you can also use maple syrup or agave nectar as substitutes for honey.

Can I use another kind of sweet chili sauce?

Absolutely! Sweet chili sauce is pretty versatile, so you can use whatever brand you prefer or have on hand. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may vary slightly depending on the brand you use.

Is it possible to make this sauce without sesame oil?

If you’re allergic to sesame or just don’t have any on hand, you can definitely make this sauce without it. Just keep in mind that it will change the overall flavor profile slightly.

Can I make this sauce without red chili pepper?

Sure, you can make this sauce without the red chili pepper but it may not be as spicy as it supposed to be.

How long can I store the sauce in the refrigerator?

Once the sauce has cooled, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to give it a good whisk or shake before using it again, as the ingredients may separate a bit.

Sweet Chili Sauce

A sweet and tangy sauce with a hint of heat, this versatile condiment is perfect for drizzling over stir-fry dishes, dipping sauces, and more.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 3

Total Time 5

Course Sauce

Cuisine Chinese

Servings People

Calories 140 kcal

Equipment

Medium saucepan
Whisk

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons soy sauce
1 Tablespoon honey
1 Tablespoon sesame oil
2 Tablespoons sweet chili sauce
2 Teaspoons rice wine vinegar
1 Teaspoon granulated garlic
1 medium red chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped
3 spring onions, chopped

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, sweet chili sauce, rice wine vinegar, and granulated garlic.
Whisk all the ingredients together to ensure they are well combined.
Turn the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped chili pepper and spring onions.
Serve immediately as a dipping sauce or pour into a sterilized glass jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

For a milder sauce, remove the seeds from the chili pepper before chopping.
To make the sauce spicier, add more chopped chili pepper to taste.
This sauce can also be used as a marinade for meats or vegetables.

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 14.5gProtein: 4.5gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1.5gSodium: 1730mgPotassium: 140mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg

Keyword Sweet Chili Sauce

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!