Home Made Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe + Recipes for Sweet Chilli Sauce
If you’ve never made your own home made sweet chilli sauce before, girl—you are in for a treat. I used to think it was one of those things that only fancy chefs or bottled brands could pull off. But once I made it myself, with simple pantry ingredients and zero unnecessary additives, I never looked back. I’m also sharing some of our go-to recipes for sweet chilli sauce—using either your homemade version or store-bought if you’re in a pinch.
Now that I’m eight months pregnant with a one-year-old toddling around my legs, I need recipes that are easy, versatile, and packed with flavor—and this sweet chili sauce checks all the boxes. It’s the kind of staple that lives in our fridge now. I use it as a dip, marinade, stir fry sauce, and even in dressings.
This blog isn’t just about how to make your own homemade sweet chili sauce (though I’ll definitely walk you through it!). I am going to show you how you can use this sauce on many recipes and be a household or party favorite! After a savory meal like these sweet chili wings, satisfy your sweet tooth with a little homemade dried fruit mix.
The Best Home Made Sweet Chilli Sauce
This is my go-to easy recipe for sweet chili sauce. It’s made with real ingredients, none of the bottled junk, and you can totally adjust the spice level to make it mild for the kiddos or fiery if you love heat.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
1. In a saucepan over low heat, combine vinegar, water, and brown sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves.
2. Add sambal oelek, chili flakes, cayenne, garlic, and fish sauce or soy sauce. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to let the flavors develop.
3. For a vibrant natural food coloring, blend roasted red pepper or red chilies in a food processor and stir that in now.
4. Mix cornstarch with water in a separate bowl to form a cornstarch slurry. Slowly stir it into your saucepan.
5. Let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens. Stir often so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.
6. Once thickened, let the sauce cool completely. Then pour it into an airtight glass jar or container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Pro Tip: This recipe makes a small batch. You can easily double it if you’re cooking for a crowd or using it often like we do!
Why Make Sweet Chili Sauce at Home?
Store-bought sauces often come with unnecessary additives, preservatives, and hidden sugars. Making your own means:
- You control the ingredients
- You save money
- You can tweak the flavor to suit your family
- And honestly? It just tastes better.
It’s a great way to elevate your everyday meals without relying on the bottled stuff from grocery stores.
Easy Recipes for Sweet Chilli Sauce (Homemade or Store-Bought!)
Whether you made your own or grabbed a bottle of Thai sweet chili sauce, these recipes for sweet chilli sauce are tried, tested, and toddler-approved in my kitchen. They’re flavorful, easy, and totally weeknight-friendly.
1. Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
(View Recipe)v cc
Toss cooked or baked wings in sweet chilli sauce and pop them back in the oven for 10 minutes. Sticky, sweet, spicy, and perfect for parties or a fun Friday night dinner.
2. Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls
Top rice with grilled chicken, avocado, veggies, and drizzle generously with the sauce. Add sesame seeds for a pretty touch!
4. Sweet Chili Meatballs
Perfect appetizer! Cook meatballs, toss them in sweet chili sauce, and warm through. Serve with toothpicks for a crowd.
Shop This Post
Here are some of the exact items I use when making my sauce at home. These are affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—thank you for supporting my blog and family!
- Glass Airtight Jars – Keeps the sauce fresh for weeks
- Sambal Oelek – My shortcut ingredient for heat and flavor
- Organic Rice Vinegar – A must for that tangy kick
- Nonstick Saucepan – So nothing sticks at the bottom
- Hand Blender or Food Processor – For a smooth, vibrant finish
FAQ: Sweet Chilli Sauce at Home
Can I make sweet chilli sauce without sambal oelek?
Yes! You can use fresh red chilies or even chili flakes if that’s all you have. Sambal is just super convenient and flavorful.
Is this the same as Asian sweet chili sauce?
Yes, this homemade version is very similar to authentic sweet chili sauce used in Asian cuisine—just fresher and more customizable.
How spicy is this sauce?
It’s mild to medium, depending on your chili and cayenne. You can always reduce or increase the heat based on your family’s preference.
How long does it last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge and it should last up to 3 weeks. Just give it a good shake or stir if it thickens.
Can I freeze sweet chili sauce?
You can, but I recommend using it fresh. Freezing might change the texture slightly, especially if you’ve thickened it with cornstarch.
Home Made Sweet Chilli Sauce + Recipes for Sweet Chilli Sauce
This blog isn’t just about how to make your own homemade sweet chili sauce (though I’ll definitely walk you through it!). I’m also sharing some of our go-to recipes for sweet chilli sauce—using either your homemade version or store-bought if you’re in a pinch. Both options work, and I’m all about meeting you where you are.
Ingredients
- ½ cup white vinegar or rice vinegar
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sambal oelek (or finely minced long red chillies)
- 2 teaspoons chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
- Optional: roasted red bell pepper or a couple fresh red chilies (for a beautiful deep red color)
Instructions
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine vinegar, water, and brown sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Add sambal oelek, chili flakes, cayenne, garlic, and fish sauce or soy sauce. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to let the flavors develop.
- For a vibrant natural food coloring, blend roasted red pepper or red chilies in a food processor and stir that in now.
- Mix cornstarch with water in a separate bowl to form a cornstarch slurry. Slowly stir it into your saucepan.
- Let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens. Stir often so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.
- Once thickened, let the sauce cool completely. Then pour it into an airtight glass jar or container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
If you're looking for new recipes for sweet chilli sauce, here are four of our family favorites that use this exact sauce—either homemade or store-bought if you're in a pinch!
- Sweet Chilli Meatballs – These are juicy, glazed in sauce, and perfect as a weeknight dinner or party appetizer.
- Sweet Chilli Chicken – A quick and flavorful chicken dish that works beautifully with rice bowls, wraps, or even meal prep.
- Sweet Chilli Salmon – A 15-minute recipe that’s sweet, spicy, and baked to flaky perfection. It’s one of our go-to healthy dinners!
- Sticky Sweet Chilli Wings – Crispy oven-baked wings tossed in a sticky, finger-licking sauce that’s always a hit on game night or family Fridays.
Final Thoughts
This home made sweet chilli sauce has become a staple in our home. I love knowing exactly what’s in it—and I love that it actually tastes better than the stuff I used to grab at the store. Plus, having a stash in the fridge makes whipping up easy meals (like those recipes for sweet chilli sauce I shared) so much quicker and more delicious.
If you try it, let me know in the comments or tag me in your kitchen creations! And if you’re looking for more homemade staples, check out my Whipped Honey Butter Recipe, Infant Massage Oil, or even my Green Juice Detox—all made with love, naturally.
Check Out More Cooking Blogs
- How to Make Sourdough Bread Starter – Easy From Scratch
- Easy Homemade Biscuits Recipe – Best Fluffy Biscuits
- Whipped Honey Butter Homemade Recipe – Simple Ingredients
- Sweet Chili Meatballs Recipe – Easy, Juicy, and Packed With Flavor
- Best Sweet Chili Wings – Baked or Airfryed!
