Get ready to transform your ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences with this mind-blowing Sweet and Savory Chili Sauce that will make your taste buds dance! In just 20 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality condiment that's so versatile and delicious, it'll become your new secret weapon in the kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this sauce promises to elevate everything from stir-fries to dipping appetizers with its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch)
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients: 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon chili paste, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons of water.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, chili paste, and minced garlic. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are mixed together.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the sauce is simmering, in a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Once the sauce has reached a simmer, slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan while continuously stirring. This will help to thicken the sauce.
- Continue to cook the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until it reaches your desired thickness. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool slightly. It will thicken further as it cools.
- Once cooled, transfer the Sweet and Savory Chili Sauce to a clean jar or container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- This sauce is perfect as a dipping sauce, marinade, or drizzled over your favorite Asian dishes.
Tips
- Use fresh garlic for the most vibrant flavor - pre-minced garlic from a jar can taste flat and less aromatic.
- When mixing the cornstarch slurry, ensure it's completely smooth with no lumps to guarantee a silky sauce texture.
- Stir constantly when adding the cornstarch to prevent clumping and ensure even thickening.
- Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili paste to suit your spice tolerance.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
- Let the sauce cool completely before storing to allow it to reach its final thickness.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and give it a quick stir before each use to redistribute any settled ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 145kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 3g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
