Name: Sweet Chilli Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 cup (225 g) white sugar; 1 cup (250 ml) water; 1/2 cup (125 ml) rice vinegar; 3 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped; 1 cup (115 g) long red chillies or cayenne peppers, finely chopped with seeds included; 1 tablespoon cornflour (cornstarch); 2 tablespoons cold water

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This homemade Sweet Chilli Sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors—ideal for dipping, drizzling, and adding a kick to your favorite dishes. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under an hour, this Thai-inspired condiment is far superior to anything store-bought and surprisingly easy to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sweet chilli sauce is endlessly versatile and incredibly flavorful. It’s made with real red chillies, garlic, sugar, and rice vinegar, delivering the perfect combination of heat and sweetness. Use it as a dipping sauce, marinade, stir-fry enhancer, or glaze. It keeps well in the fridge, making it a convenient and delicious condiment to have on hand.

Sweet Chilli Sauce

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

white sugar
water
rice vinegar
garlic (peeled and finely chopped)
long red chillies or cayenne peppers (finely chopped with seeds)
cornflour (cornstarch)
cold water

Directions

Prepare the chillies by removing the stems, slicing them lengthwise, and finely chopping them. You can do this by hand or with a food processor—just avoid reducing them to a paste.
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, 1 cup of water, rice vinegar, garlic, and chopped chillies.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Once boiling, reduce to a rapid simmer and cook for 12 minutes.
While the sauce simmers, mix the cornflour with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
Reduce the heat and re-stir the cornflour mixture before adding it to the saucepan. Stir well and simmer for an additional 3 minutes until thickened.
Let the sauce cool for a few minutes before pouring it into sterilized jars or bottles. This ensures the chillies are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Once cool, refrigerate for up to 3 months. Stir before serving, and let it come to room temperature for the best flavor.

Servings and timing

Servings: Approximately 2 cups
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Extra Spicy: Add an extra chilli or include a few bird’s eye chillies for intense heat.
Mild Version: Use fewer chillies and remove the seeds for a gentler flavor.
Ginger Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger for a subtle zing.
Lime Infused: Add a splash of lime juice or zest after cooking for citrus brightness.
Honey Sweetened: Replace half the sugar with honey for a more natural sweetness and floral undertone.

Storage/Reheating

Store the sweet chilli sauce in sterilized glass jars or bottles in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Always use a clean spoon when removing sauce to avoid contamination. Bring to room temperature and stir well before serving. The sauce does not need reheating unless you’re using it as part of a hot dish or glaze.

FAQs

Can I use another type of vinegar?

Rice vinegar is best for its mild flavor, but you can substitute with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar in a pinch, though it may slightly alter the taste.

Do I need to sterilize the jars?

Yes, sterilizing your jars ensures the sauce stays safe and fresh for longer while in storage.

Can I use dried chillies?

Fresh chillies are preferred for texture and flavor, but soaked and finely chopped dried chillies can be used if fresh are unavailable.

Is this sauce very spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat depending on the type and amount of chillies used. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking.

Can I freeze sweet chilli sauce?

Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture. It stores well in the fridge for several months.

What dishes pair well with sweet chilli sauce?

It’s excellent with spring rolls, grilled meats, dumplings, stir-fried noodles, or as a dip for fries and chicken nuggets.

Can I use a blender for the chillies?

A small food processor works well, but avoid over-processing. You want a fine chop, not a puree.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

For a thicker sauce, increase the cornflour slightly or simmer longer after adding the slurry.

Can I make this sauce sugar-free?

Sugar is essential to the flavor and texture, but you can try alternatives like stevia or erythritol. Adjust the amounts to taste.

Does this sauce need to be refrigerated?

Yes, store it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and extend shelf life.

Conclusion

Homemade sweet chilli sauce is a quick, easy, and delicious way to elevate any meal. With a perfect blend of sweetness, spice, and tang, this versatile condiment will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you use it for dipping, drizzling, or cooking, it adds bold flavor and homemade goodness every time.