Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce
Thai sweet chili sauce strikes the perfect balance between sugary sweetness and gentle heat, making it universally appealing to everyone. This homemade version uses rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, and red pepper flakes to recreate that glossy, addictive sauce found in the best Asian restaurants. Unlike commercial versions with artificial ingredients and preservatives, this recipe tastes fresher and allows you to adjust the heat level to your preference. Use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, and chicken wings, glaze for grilled chicken, or drizzle over cream cheese for an easy appetizer. The sauce keeps refrigerated for up to one month and actually improves over time as flavors develop and meld together. The thick, syrupy consistency clings to food beautifully.
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Ingredients
- •Water - 1 cup
- •White sugar - 1/2 cup
- •Rice vinegar - 1/2 cup
- •Garlic, minced - 3 cloves
- •Red pepper flakes - 2 teaspoons
- •Cornstarch - 2 tablespoons
- •Water (for slurry) - 3 tablespoons
- •Salt - 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- 1
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water, sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- 2
Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar.
- 3
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 3 tablespoons water to create a smooth slurry.
- 4
Once the mixture is boiling, reduce heat to medium and slowly pour in cornstarch slurry while whisking constantly.
- 5
Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency.
- 6
Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. The sauce will become glossy and translucent.
- 7
Transfer to a clean bottle or airtight container. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Tips & Variations
Pro Tips
- • Taste and adjust seasoning as you go
- • Use room temperature ingredients for best emulsification
- • Let flavors meld by refrigerating 30 minutes before serving
Storage
- • Refrigerator: Up to 1 week in airtight container
- • Freezer: Up to 3 months (thaw overnight)
Variations
Make it spicier with cayenne, tangier with extra lemon, or creamier with more mayo. Customize to your taste!
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