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Homemade Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 77 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 to 2.2 cups
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Homemade Chili Sauce is a flavorful, spicy condiment perfect for adding heat and depth to your favorite dishes. Made with a balanced blend of sugar, vinegar, smoky paprika, and fiery red pepper flakes, this sauce offers a mildly sweet yet tangy kick, enhanced with soy sauce and fresh garlic. Its simple preparation allows it to be ready in just 20 minutes, making it a versatile addition to meals, ideal for dipping, drizzling, or marinating.


Ingredients

Liquid Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons water (for slurry)

Dry and Spices

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch

Fresh Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic


Instructions

  1. Prepare Simple Syrup: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the water turns clear and the sugar has completely dissolved, forming a simple syrup base.
  2. Add Flavorings: Stir in 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1/4 cup vinegar into the syrup. Mix thoroughly to integrate the flavors well.
  3. Incorporate Garlic: Add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic to the sauce, stirring well to distribute the fresh, pungent flavor evenly throughout the mixture.
  4. Make Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons cornstarch and 3 tablespoons water to create a smooth slurry. This will be used to thicken the sauce.
  5. Thicken Sauce: Gradually pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan while stirring constantly. Continue to cook the sauce on a low simmer until it thickens to a desirable consistency, usually a few minutes.
  6. Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the chili sauce to cool completely before using or storing. This cooling allows flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken further slightly.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes depending on your preferred level of spiciness.
  • For a gluten-free option, ensure the soy sauce used is gluten-free.
  • This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
  • Use the sauce as a dip, marinade, or to spice up stir-fries and grilled dishes.