This homemade Sweet and Spicy Chili Sauce is the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it an ideal condiment for dipping, marinating, or drizzling over your favorite dishes. Made with fresh chili peppers, garlic, and a touch of honey, this versatile sauce enhances any meal with its bold and irresistible flavors. Perfect for stir-fries, grilled meats, and even as a dipping sauce for spring rolls.
- 1 cup water
- 0.5 cup rice vinegar
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp fish sauce (optional for extra umami)
- 2 tbsp 2 cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- 4 red chili peppers (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp ginger (grated)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 Prepare the Ingredients
Finely chop the red chili peppers and mince the garlic. Grate the ginger and set everything aside.
- 2 Simmer the Base
In a medium saucepan, combine water, rice vinegar, sugar, honey, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- 3 Add Heat & Flavor
Add the chopped chili peppers, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes until fragrant.
- 4 Thicken the Sauce
Mix cornstarch with water and pour it into the saucepan while stirring continuously. Let the sauce cook for another 3–5 minutes until it thickens to a syrup-like consistency.
- 5 Cool and Store
Remove from heat and let the sauce cool for 10 minutes. Transfer to a sterilized glass jar and store in the refrigerator.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the number of chili peppers and red pepper flakes.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- For a smoother sauce, blend it after cooling for a few minutes.
- Pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, stir-fries, and as a dipping sauce for dumplings and spring rolls.