Homemade Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce
Introduction
Homemade Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce is a deliciously tangy, sweet, and spicy condiment that adds tropical flair to any dish. Combining the heat of chili peppers with the natural sweetness of pineapple, this sauce is perfect for dipping, glazing, or drizzling over meats, seafood, and even veggies. It’s quick to prepare, easy to store, and far more flavorful than anything you’ll find in a store-bought bottle.
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water – slurry)
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2–3 red chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust spice level to taste)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop your garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry and set aside.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple (with juice), sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chopped chilies.
- Cook the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Thicken the Sauce: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency (about 3–5 minutes).
- Adjust and Simmer: Taste and adjust seasoning — add more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or chili for heat.
- Cool and Store: Let the sauce cool completely. Pour it into a sterilized glass jar or bottle and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 2 weeks.
Description
This Homemade Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce is the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy — with a tropical twist. The pineapple gives it a refreshing fruitiness, while the chili adds that irresistible kick. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, egg rolls, spring rolls, or even as a dipping sauce for fries. Its glossy texture and golden-orange color make it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Tips
- For smoother sauce: Blend the mixture after cooking for a silky finish.
- For more spice: Add extra chili flakes or a small amount of sriracha.
- For thicker consistency: Add a bit more cornstarch slurry and simmer longer.
- Storage tip: Always use a clean, dry spoon when scooping sauce to prevent spoilage.
- Serving idea: Use it as a glaze for grilled salmon, roasted chicken wings, or stir-fry vegetables.
Correction
- If your sauce turns out too thin, simmer it a few extra minutes or add more cornstarch slurry.
- If it’s too thick, thin it out with a bit of water or pineapple juice.
- If too spicy, stir in a little more sugar or pineapple to balance the heat.
Enjoy
Serve your Homemade Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce warm or chilled — it’s a tropical explosion of flavor that elevates every bite! Perfect for BBQs, party appetizers, or as a homemade gift. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet heat and tangy freshness in every spoonful!
