Are you ready to transform your ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences? Get ready to discover the most mouthwatering homemade sweet chili dipping sauce that will elevate everything from appetizers to main courses! This Thai-inspired condiment is not just a sauce – it's a flavor explosion that will have your family and friends begging for your secret recipe. In just 15 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality sauce that's perfectly balanced between sweet, spicy, and tangy, guaranteed to become your new kitchen staple.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp chili flakes
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of vinegar, and 1/4 cup of water. Stir the mixture gently until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Once the mixture is simmering, add 2 tablespoons of chili flakes and 1 clove of minced garlic. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Continue to simmer the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking or burning.
- While the sauce is simmering, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl. Stir until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.
- After the sauce has simmered for 5 minutes, slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan while stirring continuously. This will help to thicken the sauce.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a little more water or vinegar.
- Once the sauce has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Transfer the sweet chili dipping sauce to a clean jar or container. Allow it to cool completely before sealing it and storing it in the refrigerator.
- Serve your homemade sweet chili dipping sauce with spring rolls, grilled meats, or as a flavorful dressing for salads. Enjoy!
Tips
- Use fresh garlic for the most vibrant flavor – pre-minced garlic from a jar can't compare to freshly chopped cloves.
- Control the heat level by adjusting the amount of chili flakes. Start with less if you're sensitive to spice, and gradually increase to find your perfect balance.
- For a smoother consistency, strain the garlic and chili flakes after simmering if you prefer a less textured sauce.
- Make sure to stir the cornstarch slurry thoroughly before adding to prevent lumps in your sauce.
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks – if it lasts that long!
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of fish sauce or a squeeze of lime juice when simmering.
- Let the sauce cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and maintain its perfect thickness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 60kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
