Name: Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 5-6 fresh red chilies (adjust based on your preferred heat level; see note below); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon white vinegar or rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil; ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, for balance)

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If you love a kick of spice, savory depth, and a touch of heat in your meals, this Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce will become your new favorite condiment. It’s bold, flavorful, and so easy to make at home. This sauce is the perfect balance of spicy, garlicky goodness with just the right amount of tang, adding a delicious punch to anything it touches. Trust me, once you’ve tried this homemade version, you won’t want to reach for that store-bought bottle again!

Why You’ll Love Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce

Customizable Spice Level: You can control the heat in this recipe, making it as fiery or mild as you like.
Fresh Ingredients: This homemade version uses fresh, whole ingredients that bring out a rich, vibrant flavor that no store-bought version can match.
Versatile: Use it as a dipping sauce, drizzle it over your favorite dishes, stir it into noodles, or even mix it into soups and stews for an extra flavor boost.
Quick & Easy: With just a few steps and simple ingredients, you can have a jar of this homemade sauce ready in no time.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This chili garlic sauce can be made in large batches and stored for future use, so you’ll always have some on hand when you need it.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this spicy, garlicky sauce:

For the Chili Garlic Sauce:

Fresh Red Chilies: The heart of this sauce. Fresh red chilies bring the heat and vibrant color. You can adjust the number depending on how spicy you want the sauce.
Garlic: A whole bunch of garlic cloves, because garlic is what makes this sauce irresistibly savory and fragrant.
Vinegar: Adds the right amount of tang and helps balance the heat.
Sugar: Just a little bit of sugar to cut the spice and add a touch of sweetness.
Soy Sauce: For that savory umami flavor that deepens the overall taste.
Salt: To bring everything together and enhance the flavors.
Vegetable Oil: Used to sauté the garlic and chilies, giving the sauce that silky, smooth texture.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to spice up your meals? Follow these simple steps to make your own homemade chili garlic sauce:

Prepare the Chilies and Garlic:
Start by removing the stems from the fresh chilies. If you want less heat, you can remove the seeds too! Mince the garlic finely so it can cook down properly.
Cook the Garlic:
Heat a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it until golden brown, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
Add the Chilies:
Once the garlic is nicely browned, add the chopped fresh chilies to the pan. Stir them around for about 2-3 minutes to cook them down and release their oils.
Simmer the Sauce:
Add in the vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and salt to the pan. Stir well, and let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The sauce should thicken slightly.
Blend (Optional):
If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the mixture in a food processor or use an immersion blender to get it to the consistency you like. If you prefer a chunkier texture, leave it as is!
Cool and Store:
Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to a clean jar or bottle. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 2-3 weeks. Use it as often as you like!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 25
Total Carbs: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Net Carbs: 4g
Fat: 2g
Protein: 0g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce

This homemade chili garlic sauce is incredibly versatile, and here are some great ways to serve it:

As a Dipping Sauce: Perfect for dumplings, egg rolls, spring rolls, or crispy chicken wings.
Stir Into Noodles: Drizzle it over your favorite noodle dish for an extra burst of flavor.
As a Marinade: Use it as a marinade for grilled meats or tofu to infuse your dishes with spicy, garlicky goodness.
Add to Soups and Stews: Stir it into soups, curries, or stir-fries for an instant flavor upgrade.
Top Your Rice: Spoon it over plain rice or fried rice for an extra punch of heat and flavor.

Additional Tips

Adjust the Spice Level: If you like your sauce milder, use fewer chilies or remove the seeds. You can also try using a mix of mild and hot chilies to get the perfect balance of spice.
Use Different Types of Chilies: Experiment with different types of chilies for varied flavors. Thai bird’s eye chilies are great for heat, while red bell peppers can add a milder sweetness.
Let the Sauce Rest: For even more depth of flavor, let the sauce sit for a day before using it. This will allow the flavors to develop and intensify.
Canning Option: If you want to preserve the sauce for longer, you can can it using standard canning methods to keep it stored for months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use dried chilies instead of fresh ones?
A1: Yes, you can! Dried chilies will work too, but they may not give you the same fresh, vibrant flavor. You may need to rehydrate them in warm water before using them in the recipe.

Q2: How spicy will this chili garlic sauce be?
A2: The spiciness depends on the number of chilies you use. If you want a milder version, use fewer chilies or remove the seeds before adding them to the sauce.

Q3: Can I make this sauce without vinegar?
A3: Vinegar helps balance the spice and adds acidity, but if you don’t have vinegar, you can try substituting it with lime juice or a little bit of lemon juice for a different twist.

Q4: How long does this chili garlic sauce last?
A4: When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will last for 2-3 weeks. Make sure to use a clean spoon to scoop it out to avoid contamination.

Q5: Can I freeze this sauce?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the chili garlic sauce. Just transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using it.

Q6: Can I use this sauce in cooking?
A6: Definitely! This sauce can be used in stir-fries, soups, and curries for an added depth of flavor. It’s also perfect for marinating meats or tofu before cooking.

Q7: Is this sauce gluten-free?
A7: Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari), this sauce is completely gluten-free.

Q8: Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?
A8: Yes, you can adjust the sugar amount to suit your preference. However, keep in mind that sugar helps balance the heat and acidity, so reducing it too much may affect the flavor.

Q9: Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
A9: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor for this sauce, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.

Q10: Can I make this chili garlic sauce milder?
A10: Yes! To make a milder version, reduce the number of chilies or opt for milder chili varieties. You can also add more sugar to help tone down the heat.

Conclusion

Making homemade chili garlic sauce is a game-changer for anyone who loves a little extra spice in their life. With fresh ingredients and a quick cooking process, you’ll have a delicious, flavorful sauce ready to elevate your meals. Whether you use it as a dipping sauce, stir it into your favorite dishes, or top off your rice, this chili garlic sauce will quickly become a kitchen staple. So, why not give it a try today? It’s a little spicy, a little garlicky, and a whole lot of tasty!