Are you a fan of spicy and sweet combinations? Then this sweet chili sauce recipe is perfect for you! It's easy to make and can be used as a dipping sauce, marinade or even a glaze for meats and vegetables.
Ingredients
To make this delicious sweet chili sauce, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 cup water - 1 cup sugar - 1 cup white vinegar - 1/4 cup garlic, minced - 1/4 cup red chili flakes - 1 tbsp salt - 1 tbsp cornstarch - 2 tbsp water
Substitute Ingredients
If you don't have some of the ingredients on hand, there are substitutes you can use: - White vinegar can be replaced with apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar. - Garlic can be substituted with garlic powder. - Red chili flakes can be replaced with fresh chili peppers or hot sauce. - Cornstarch can be replaced with flour or arrowroot powder.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your sweet chili sauce: 1. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, white vinegar, minced garlic, red chili flakes, and salt. 2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. 3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the sauce has thickened. 4. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. 5. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and stir until the sauce has thickened further. 6. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool. 7. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Tips
- Be careful when handling chili flakes as they can irritate the skin and eyes. - Use a non-reactive saucepan, such as stainless steel or enamel-coated, to prevent the sauce from becoming discolored or metallic-tasting. - Adjust the amount of chili flakes to your preferred level of spiciness. - For a smoother sauce, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before storing it in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Here's the nutritional information for a serving size of 2 tbsp of sweet chili sauce: - Calories: 60 - Fat: 0g - Carbohydrates: 15g - Sugar: 14g - Protein: 0g - Sodium: 305mg
Health Benefits
While sweet chili sauce is high in sugar, it also contains garlic which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Chili flakes also contain capsaicin which can boost metabolism and reduce inflammation.
Uses
Sweet chili sauce can be used in many ways, including: - As a dipping sauce for spring rolls, chicken fingers, or vegetables - As a marinade for chicken, shrimp, or tofu - As a glaze for roasted vegetables or grilled meats - As a topping for burgers or sandwiches
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make sweet chili sauce, you can add it to your next meal for a spicy and sweet kick. Experiment with different amounts of chili flakes and garlic to find your perfect balance. Enjoy!