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To make sweet chili sauce, you need a few key items. Here’s a quick list: - 1 cup water - 1/2 cup sugar - 1/4 cup rice vinegar - 1/4 cup ketchup - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 1/4 cup fresh red chili, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil These ingredients come together to create a sauce that is both sweet and spicy. The sugar balances the heat from the chili. Rice vinegar gives it a nice tang. Ketchup adds depth and texture, making this sauce smooth. You can add more flavor if you want. Consider these options: - 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes (for extra heat) - Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint - A dash of lime juice These add-ins can change the taste of your sauce. If you love heat, crushed red pepper flakes are great. Fresh herbs can add a bright flavor. Now, let’s look at the nutrition facts for this sauce. Each serving of about 2 tablespoons contains: - Calories: 40 - Total Fat: 1 g - Sodium: 150 mg - Carbohydrates: 10 g - Sugars: 8 g This sauce is low in fat and can add flavor to many dishes. Just keep in mind that it has added sugars, so use it in moderation. You can enjoy this sauce with spring rolls, grilled chicken, or even as a dip. For the full recipe, check out the Sweet & Spicy Chili Delight . To make sweet chili sauce, start with a medium saucepan. Combine 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of rice vinegar. Stir this mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Next, add 1/4 cup of ketchup and 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh red chili. Mix in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir well to blend all the flavors. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. This forms a slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the saucepan, stirring constantly to keep it smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Stir often until it thickens. Remove the pan from heat and stir in 1/4 teaspoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. If you want it spicier, add 1 tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to cool before pouring it into a jar. To get the right thickness, pay close attention to the cooking time. If the sauce is too thin, cook it longer while stirring. If it’s too thick, add a little water and heat it gently. Using fresh red chili gives the sauce a vibrant flavor. Adjust the amount based on your spice level preference. Always keep stirring while adding the cornstarch slurry to prevent lumps. Sweet chili sauce is perfect as a dip. Serve it with fresh spring rolls or grilled chicken skewers. You can also drizzle it over stir-fried vegetables or use it as a glaze on grilled meats. It pairs well with many dishes. For a fun twist, mix it into a salad dressing or use it on tacos. This sauce can enhance many meals, adding a sweet and spicy kick. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! When making sweet chili sauce, avoid adding too much salt. It can overpower the sweet flavor. Another mistake is cooking it too fast. If you rush, the sauce may not thicken well. Make sure to stir often while it simmers. This helps prevent lumps that can ruin your sauce. Lastly, don’t skip cooling it before storing. This keeps it fresh and tasty. To change the spice level, start with less chili. You can always add more later if needed. If you want more heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes. Add them in small amounts and taste as you go. This way, you can control the heat. For a milder sauce, use less fresh chili or remove the seeds. This helps keep the flavor without too much spice. Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. When cooking, keep the heat at medium. This helps the sugar dissolve without burning. Store your sauce in a clean jar. Make sure it’s airtight to keep it fresh. The sauce lasts in the fridge for about two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Just pour it into ice cube trays for easy use later. {{image_2}} You can switch up the ingredients in sweet chili sauce. If you want a fruity twist, try using mango or pineapple juice instead of water. This adds a nice sweetness and tang. For a richer flavor, replace ketchup with tomato paste. It gives a deeper taste. You can also swap rice vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a different kick. If you want a healthier version, use honey instead of sugar. This keeps the sweetness but adds good nutrients. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on salt. For a low-carb option, replace sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia. This way, you can enjoy the sauce without worrying about extra sugar. Sweet chili sauce fits well with many dishes. It’s perfect for dipping fresh spring rolls or grilled chicken skewers. You can drizzle it over roasted vegetables or use it in stir-fries for added flavor. It also works great on seafood, especially shrimp or fish tacos. For a fun twist, try it with sweet potato fries for a tasty snack. If you want to make your own sauce, check out the Full Recipe for a quick guide! To keep your homemade sweet chili sauce fresh, let it cool first. Then, pour it into a clean jar or an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly. Store it in the fridge. This helps preserve its flavor and texture. You can enjoy it for many meals to come. Homemade sweet chili sauce lasts about two weeks in the fridge. Store-bought sauce can last longer. Check the label for the best-before date. Once opened, it usually stays good for about a month. Always look for signs of spoilage before using. You can freeze sweet chili sauce for later use. Pour it into ice cube trays for easy portions. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can take out just what you need. The sauce can last up to six months in the freezer. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving. Sweet chili sauce is a mix of simple ingredients. The main ones include: - 1 cup water - 1/2 cup sugar - 1/4 cup rice vinegar - 1/4 cup ketchup - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 1/4 cup fresh red chili, finely chopped (or to taste) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Optional: 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat These ingredients blend to create a sweet and spicy taste. You can adjust the chili amount for more or less heat. Yes, you can use sweet chili sauce as a marinade. It adds a tasty flavor to meats and veggies. Just coat your choice of protein or vegetables in the sauce. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to soak in. You can find sweet chili sauce at most grocery stores. Look in the Asian foods aisle. Many brands sell it, but I recommend checking the label for quality. You can also buy it online for convenience. - Additional FAQs Related to Sweet Chili Sauce - Can I make it spicy? Yes! Add more chili or red pepper flakes. - How long does it last? Homemade sauce lasts about two weeks in the fridge. - User-Submitted Questions and Answers - Q: Can I use other vinegars? A: Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. - Q: Is there a vegan version? A: Yes! Just skip the oyster sauce and use soy sauce instead. For those looking for a great homemade recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Making sweet chili sauce is easy and fun. We explored key ingredients, optional add-ins, and nutrition values. I shared step-by-step instructions for the perfect sauce, along with tips for texture and serving ideas. I highlighted common mistakes and how to adjust spice levels. You learned about variations and cooking practices. We also covered smart storage tips and a FAQs section for common questions. Enjoy creating your own sweet chili sauce. It's a tasty way to spice up your meals!

Sweet Chili Sauce

Spice up your meals with this easy Sweet & Spicy Chili Delight recipe! This delicious sauce combines water, sugar, rice vinegar, and fresh chili to deliver a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's ideal for dipping or drizzling on your favorite dishes.Don't miss out on this kitchen essential!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1/4 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 cup fresh red chili, finely chopped (or to taste)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

Optional: 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes (for extra heat)

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved.

    Add the ketchup, chopped red chili, garlic powder, and salt to the mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

      In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Gradually add this slurry to the saucepan while stirring to avoid lumps.

        Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.

          Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil for added flavor. If you like it spicier, add the crushed red pepper flakes at this stage.

            Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to a jar or airtight container.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 1 cup

                - Presentation Tips: Serve your sweet chili sauce in a decorative dipping bowl alongside fresh spring rolls or grilled chicken skewers.