Easy Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe That Packs a Flavorful Punch

Whipping up a delightful sweet chilli sauce can turn an ordinary meal into a flavor explosion.

Bright, zesty ingredients dance together in this simple recipe that packs a punch.

Homemade condiments often sound complicated, but this version breaks down every step with ease.

Vibrant red peppers and tangy vinegar create a magical blend that tingles your taste buds.

Most store-bought sauces pale in comparison to the fresh, zingy notes you'll craft in your kitchen.

Everyone will adore this versatile sauce that complements everything from spring rolls to grilled meats.

Spice up your culinary repertoire and impress everyone with this irresistible condiment that takes just minutes to prepare.

Why Nigella Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe Packs a Punch

• Unlock Flavor Explosion: Craft a sweet chilli sauce that transforms ordinary meals into tasty dishes with minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps.
• Customize Your Kick: Adjust spice levels by adding more or less chilli, making this recipe perfect for personalized taste preferences and adaptable to different palates.
• Master Homemade Condiment: Save money and control ingredients by creating a fresh sauce that beats store-bought versions, with zero preservatives and maximum taste satisfaction.
• Quick Kitchen Win: Prepare this sauce in just a few minutes, requiring basic pantry staples and minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginner and experienced home cooks alike.

Ingredients for Nigella Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe

• Red Chili Peppers: Fresh peppers that provide the signature heat and color of the sauce.
• White Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the spiciness of the chili peppers.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a sour and bright flavor to the sauce.

• Water: Helps to create the right consistency and blend the flavors together.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a smooth thickening mixture that gives the sauce its perfect glossy texture and helps it coat foods evenly.

• Garlic, Salt: Adds depth and rounds out the overall taste profile of the sweet chili sauce.

Instructions for Making Nigella Sweet Chilli Sauce

Step 1: Gather Cooking Essentials

Collect your sauce ingredients and kitchen tools. You’ll need a small saucepan, measuring tools, and a whisk for smooth mixing.

• Red chilies
• Garlic
• White vinegar
• Sugar
• Water
• Cornstarch
• Salt

Step 2: Combine Flavor Base

Pour all ingredients except cornstarch mixture into the small saucepan. Blend the red chilies, garlic, vinegar, sugar, water, and salt together. This creates a sour foundation for your sweet chili sauce.

Step 3: Bring To Rolling Boil

Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir the mixture frequently to prevent burning and ensure even heating. Watch for bubbles to form and sauce to start bubbling energetically.

Step 4: Prepare Cornstarch Slurry

In a separate small bowl, whisk cornstarch with a splash of cold water. Mix until the cornstarch dissolves completely, creating a smooth, lump-free liquid that will help thicken your sauce.

Step 5: Thicken The Sauce

Pour the cornstarch mixture into the boiling sauce. Continuously stir for about one minute. The sauce will gradually transform, becoming glossy and slightly more viscous.

Step 6: Cool And Store

Remove the saucepan from heat. Allow the sauce to cool completely at room temperature. Transfer the finished sweet chili sauce into a clean glass jar. Refrigerate and enjoy within two weeks.

Best Tips for Nigella Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe

• Thicken Perfectly: Use cold water when mixing cornstarch to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, silky sauce texture.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust red chili flakes or fresh chilies to make the sauce mild or fiery hot according to your preference.
• Storage Hack: Keep sauce in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.
• Versatile Serving: Drizzle over grilled meats, use as a dipping sauce, or mix into stir-fries for an instant flavor boost.
• Quick Ingredient Swap: Replace white sugar with honey or brown sugar for a deeper, more caramelized sweetness in the sauce.

Ways to Switch Up Nigella Sweet Chilli Sauce

• Spicy Garlic Kick: Replace sweet chili sauce with extra garlic and add red pepper flakes for more heat.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for diabetic-friendly version.
• Tropical Fusion: Swap water with pineapple juice and add a splash of lime for a fruity Caribbean-style sauce.
• Gluten-Free Variation: Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

What to Pair with Nigella Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe

• Complement Spicy Sauce with Protein Perfection: Grilled chicken or crispy shrimp taste amazing when drizzled with this sweet chilli sauce, creating a flavor explosion that balances heat and sweetness.
• Create Asian-Inspired Appetizer Combo: Serve alongside spring rolls, dumplings, or vegetable tempura to elevate the entire dish with a sour dipping experience.
• Pair with Refreshing Beverage Choices: Light, crisp white wines like Riesling or a cold Thai beer cut through the sauce's sweetness and provide a cooling contrast to its subtle spiciness.
• Match with Cooling Side Dishes: Cucumber salad or fresh coleslaw with a mild dressing help neutralize the sauce's heat while providing a refreshing textural complement.

How to Store Nigella Sweet Chilli Sauce Properly

• Transfer cooled sauce to an airtight glass jar or container. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Ensure the jar is clean and dry before pouring the sauce.
• Pour sauce into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
• Gently warm the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously to prevent burning and maintain smooth consistency. Add a splash of water if sauce seems too thick.
• Transfer desired amount to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Stop when sauce reaches desired temperature.

Your Questions on Nigella Sweet Chilli Sauce Answered

• What peppers work best for sweet chilli sauce?

Red jalapeños or red Thai chillies are ideal, providing authentic heat and color while maintaining a balanced sweet-spicy flavor profile.

• Can I adjust the spice level in this sauce?

Absolutely! Remove seeds from peppers to reduce heat, or add more chili peppers for extra spiciness. The cornstarch helps control the final consistency regardless of pepper quantity.

• How long will this homemade sweet chilli sauce last?

When stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, the sauce typically stays fresh for 2-3 weeks. Always check for any unusual smell or color changes before using.

• Is this sauce gluten-free?

Yes, the basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your vinegar and other ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have strict dietary requirements.

Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 11 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Sweet chili sauce is a versatile condiment with a gentle kick. Perfect for dipping, glazing, or drizzling, it adds flavor to countless dishes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons cane sugar

Chili and Spice Components:

• 1 tablespoon sambal oelek or 1/2 teaspoon dried red chilli flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger

Seasoning and Thickening Agents:

• 1 tablespoon rice wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon tamari or soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 drops red food colouring (optional)

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Instructions

1. Place red chili peppers, garlic, sugar, rice vinegar, and water into a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Stir ingredients continuously while bringing the mixture to a rolling boil, ensuring even heat distribution.
3. Whisk cornstarch and cold water separately until completely smooth and free of lumps.
4. Gradually pour cornstarch slurry into the bubbling sauce, maintaining constant stirring to prevent clumping.
5. Continue cooking and stirring for approximately 60-90 seconds, watching the sauce transform and thicken to a glossy consistency.
6. Allow the sauce to cool completely at room temperature.
7. Pour into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
8. Refrigerate the sauce, which will further thicken as it chills, and consume within 1-2 weeks for optimal flavor and freshness.

Notes

• Adjust heat levels by adding more or less chili for personalized spiciness.
• Ensure cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumpy sauce texture.
• Store homemade sauce in an airtight container for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 57 kcal
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0.1 g
• Protein: 0.2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg