Sweet Chili Sauce

Sweet Chili Sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment that combines a perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of heat. It’s the ultimate dipping sauce for spring rolls, grilled meats, or even drizzling over fried rice. This homemade version is fresher and tastier than store-bought, making it a must-have for your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you likely already have.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
• Multi-Purpose: Perfect as a dip, marinade, or glaze.

Ingredients

For the Sweet Chili Sauce

• Sugar: Provides the signature sweetness.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for a robust taste.
• Red Chili Flakes: For that signature heat.
• Water: To balance the sauce’s consistency.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a touch of umami.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Base
In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 2: Add the Flavor
Mix in minced garlic and red chili flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Slowly add this to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly.

Step 4: Simmer and Cool
Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat and allow it to cool. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 2 Tablespoons
Calories: ~45
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 120mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 0g

FAQ

1. Can I use a different plant-based milk?
   • Yes, you can substitute the soy or almond milk with any other plant-based milk, such as oat milk or coconut milk. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor.
2. Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
   • Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour and whole-wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check if your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
3. How can I make the pancakes sweeter?
   • If you prefer sweeter pancakes, you can increase the amount of turbinado sugar or add maple syrup directly to the batter.
4. Can I add fruit or other mix-ins to the batter?
   • Absolutely! You can add fresh or frozen fruit, like blueberries, bananas, or chocolate chips, directly into the batter. Just be sure not to overmix to avoid flattening the pancakes.
5. Can I freeze leftover pancakes?
   • Yes! Allow the pancakes to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freeze them with a sheet of parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking. Reheat in a toaster or microwave when ready to eat.
6. What should I serve with these vegan pancakes?
   • These pancakes are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with maple syrup, fresh fruit (such as blueberries or strawberries), or a dollop of vegan butter.
7. Can I make the batter in advance?
   • Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Give it a quick stir before cooking, as it may thicken while resting.
8. What’s the best way to cook the pancakes?
   • Make sure your skillet or griddle is heated to medium-low heat to avoid burning the pancakes. Lightly oil the pan and cook each pancake until bubbles form on the surface, then flip to cook the other side until golden brown.

Enjoy the sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors of this homemade Sweet Chili Sauce!

Print