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Sweet Chilli Sauce

Name: Sweet Chilli Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Sweet Chilli Sauce
Ingredients: 2 red chillies finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves minced; 100 grams caster sugar; 120 millilitres rice vinegar; 60 millilitres water; 1 tablespoon cornflour; 2 tablespoons water for the slurry; 0.5 teaspoon salt

Sweet Chilli Sauce is a versatile condiment that balances heat and sweetness perfectly. This home-made version is much fresher than store-bought varieties and takes very little time to prepare. You can use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or as a glaze for grilled chicken. It keeps well in the fridge for several weeks if stored in a clean jar.

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Why sweet chilli sauce is so popular

Making Sweet Chilli Sauce at home allows you to control the level of spice and sweetness. Many commercial brands contain extra preservatives or high amounts of sodium that you can avoid here. It only requires a few basic pantry staples that you likely already have in your kitchen. The texture is light and glossy, making it look professional on any dinner table.

A step-by-step guide to sweet chilli sauce

Step 1

Prepare ingredients: Finely chop the red chillies and mince the garlic cloves until they are very small. You can leave the seeds in the chillies if you prefer a hotter Sweet Chilli Sauce. Place the sugar, rice vinegar, and 60 millilitres of water into a small saucepan. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved.

Step 2

Simmer the base: Add the chopped chillies, minced garlic, and salt to the saucepan with the vinegar mixture. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for about five minutes to allow the flavours to infuse. The chillies should soften slightly during this time.

Step 3

Thicken the sauce: Mix the cornflour with two tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl to create a smooth paste. Slowly pour this slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook for another minute or two until the liquid becomes clear and thickens. The Sweet Chilli Sauce will continue to thicken as it cools down.

Step 4

Store and serve: Remove the pan from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature before using. Pour the finished sauce into a clean glass jar or bottle for storage. Keep it in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to three weeks. Serve it chilled or at room temperature alongside your favourite snacks.

Good advice for making sweet chilli sauce

If you want a very smooth Sweet Chilli Sauce, you can pulse the chillies and garlic in a small food processor before cooking. Adjust the heat by choosing different types of chillies or removing the seeds for a milder flavour. Red jalapeños work well for a medium heat, while bird’s eye chillies add a significant kick.

Always mix the cornflour with cold water before adding it to the hot liquid to ensure a glossy finish. If the sauce becomes too thick after cooling, simply stir in a teaspoon of warm water to loosen it. This sauce is excellent as a marinade for prawns or tofu before frying. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice at the end for a fresh citrus note.

You might also enjoy crab soup, turkey with dauphinoise potatoes or prawn cocktail with mango.

Ingredients

servings

Adjust quantity

2 red chillies finely chopped
3 garlic cloves minced
100 grams caster sugar
120 millilitres rice vinegar
60 millilitres water
1 tablespoon cornflour
2 tablespoons water for the slurry
0.5 teaspoon salt

Cooking time

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving

Energy:226 kJ / 54 kcal
Fat:0 g
- of which saturates:0 g
Carbohydrates:14 g
- of which sugars:13 g
Protein:0 g
Fibre:0 g
Salt:150 mg

This Sweet Chilli Sauce will last for up to three weeks when stored in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator. Always use a clean spoon when serving to keep the sauce fresh for longer. If you notice any changes in smell or appearance, it is best to discard it.

Can I make this Sweet Chilli Sauce recipe less spicy?

Yes, you can easily reduce the heat by removing all the seeds and white pith from the chillies before chopping them. Using larger red chillies instead of small bird's eye chillies will also result in a milder Sweet Chilli Sauce. You could even substitute some of the chilli with finely diced red bell pepper.

Why is my sauce not thickening properly?

The sauce needs to reach a simmer for the cornflour to activate and thicken the liquid correctly. Ensure you have mixed the cornflour with cold water before adding it to the pan. If the mixture is still too thin, mix another half teaspoon of cornflour with a little water and stir it in.