5-Min Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

Sweet Chili Sauce is a dipping sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy—perfect for spring rolls, egg rolls, fried wontons, fried chicken, and crab rangoon. This quick homemade version comes together in just 5 minutes using pantry staples, giving you a glossy, balanced sauce that tastes fresher than store-bought.

Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

Makes: about 1 cup
Cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
3 tablespoons ketchup
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon sambal oelek (or red chili peppers)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch (or tapioca starch)
3 tablespoons water

Instructions

• In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water to make a slurry.
• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, rice vinegar, ketchup, sugar, sambal oelek, and minced garlic. Whisk to blend and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
• Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Serve as a dipping sauce with your favorite appetizers.

Tips & Notes

• Adjust sweetness or heat: Taste as you go. Add more sugar for sweetness or more sambal oelek for extra spice.
• Storage: Transfer to a clean, airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Avoid storing at room temperature, as the fresh garlic can reduce shelf life.