Name: Sweet Chili Sauce – Honey Sweetened in 10 Minutes Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon dried chili flakes; 3 teaspoons minced garlic (about 3 large cloves); 1/4 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar); 1/3 cup honey; 3/4 cup water; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 tablespoon potato starch (or organic cornstarch); 2 tablespoons water (divided from total)

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Introduction

This honey-sweetened sweet chili sauce is a quick and flavorful condiment you can whip up in just 10 minutes. Perfectly balanced with heat, sweetness, and tang, it adds a delightful kick to grilled meats, vegetables, or as a dipping sauce.

A clear glass jar filled with bright orange sauce that has visible small red chili pieces and white bits floating inside, giving it a textured look. A detailed silver spoon scoops the sauce above the jar, showing the sauce’s semi-thick, glossy texture with chunks of chili and seeds. The jar sits on a green and white woven cloth, all placed on a white marbled surface. The light reflects softly on the sauce, highlighting its vibrant colors and shiny wet texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon dried chili flakes*
3 teaspoons minced garlic (about 3 large cloves)

1/4 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
1/3 cup honey

3/4 cup water (plus 2 tablespoons, divided)
2 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoon potato starch (or organic cornstarch**)

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the chili flakes, minced garlic, vinegar, honey, 3/4 cup water, and salt in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower to medium and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the potato starch with the remaining 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Slowly add this mixture to the saucepan, stirring continuously over medium heat until the sauce thickens, which should take less than a minute.

Step 3: Remove the sauce from heat and allow it to cool completely. Transfer it to a glass container or jar for storage in the refrigerator.

Tips & Variations

If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the chili flakes or soak them in water before cooking to soften the heat.
Use organic cornstarch instead of potato starch if preferred; both thicken the sauce effectively.

For a smoky flavor, try adding a small amount of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
This sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, spring rolls, or as a drizzling sauce over roasted vegetables.

Storage

Store the cooled sauce in a sealed glass container or jar in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 weeks. Before serving, stir or shake the sauce as it may thicken or separate slightly when chilled. For best flavor, bring it to room temperature or gently warm it.

How to Serve

A clear glass jar filled with a reddish sauce containing visible white and red chili flakes, resting on a colorful cloth with a pattern of yellow and pink circles, placed on a white marbled surface; a metal spoon is inside the jar on the left side, while the jar's glass lid is set nearby on the right side, blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chilies instead of dried chili flakes?

Yes, fresh chilies can be used but they will change the texture and intensity of the sauce. Finely chop them and add to taste, adjusting the amount based on your preferred heat level.

Is honey necessary, or can I use another sweetener?

Honey adds a unique floral sweetness and slight viscosity, but you can substitute with maple syrup, agave nectar, or granulated sugar for a similar sweetness. Adjust quantities to taste.