Homemade Thai Sweet Chili Sauce (VIDEO)
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My homemade Thai Sweet Chili Sauce is so much better than the store bought version – it’s the perfect balance of spicy and sweet and easily customizable to your own preference!
Watch the Thai Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe Video!
A Note from CJ
The key to homemade Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
My #1 key tip for this recipe is to avoid burning your Thai Sweet Chili Sauce – due to the high sugar content, there is a high possibility of burning if you use too high heat or do not monitor it closely. Keep the sauce simmering (avoid boiling), use the smaller burner, and stir continuously while reducing!
I love making homemade sauces, like my Chinese Chili Oil, Dumpling Dipping Sauce, Tonkatsu Sauce, Easy Homemade Ranch Dressing, Homemade BBQ Sauce, Chick-Fil-A Sauce, Wingstop Ranch, and Raising Cane’s Sauce!
Ingredient Tips
Refer to the recipe card for the full list of ingredients and measurements!
- red chili peppers (long red peppers) – red chili peppers is the base of the sauce and gives it the ‘chili’ flavor; they’re also sometimes labeled as “long red peppers”.
- Thai chili peppers – Thai chili peppers are very spicy, so I only used 2 for this recipe. If you cannot find Thai chili peppers, you can substitute with double the # of Serrano peppers (as they are milder).
- sugar – adjust this to your preference
How to Make Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
Heat Sugar, Salt, Water, and Vinegar – Add the sugar, salt, water and vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved and turn off the heat.
Blend Peppers and Garlic – In a blender or food processor, add the red chilis, thai chilis, and garlic. Pulse until no large chunks are visible.
Add Peppers, Garlic, and Cornstarch Slurry – Add the chili garlic mixture to the saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the sauce has reduced by half. Add the cornstarch slurry mixture and mix until thickened. Turn off the heat and let cool completely. Make Thai Sweet Chili Wings or serve with Egg Rolls, Coconut Shrimp, Panko Shrimp, and Fried Shrimp Balls!
My Pro Tip
CJ’s Storage Tips
You can store homemade Thai Sweet Chili Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Make sure your container is well sealed to prevent your sauce from spoiling.
- Avoid dipping directly into the jar and only use clean utensils – any bacteria from food or used utensils will make your sauce go bad faster.
- Don’t leave your sauce out – put it back in the refrigerator after opening or using.
If you tried this Thai Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below!
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce (EASY)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 cup water
- ½ cup distilled white vinegar
- 8 red chilis, fresno or long red chilis; about 2 cups
- 2 thai chilis
- 10 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + ¼ cup water, this will be your cornstarch slurry
Instructions
- Add the sugar, salt, water and vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved and turn off the heat.
- In a blender or food processor, add the red chilis, thai chilis, and garlic. Pulse until no large chunks are visible.
- Add the chili garlic mixture to the saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the sauce has reduced by half.
- Add the cornstarch slurry mixture and mix until thickened. Turn off the heat and let cool completely.
Video
Notes
- Watch the sides of the pot – I noticed that there is a tendency for burning around the sides!
- While reducing, the sauce should be simmering – if it begins to boil at all, lower the heat immediately (or take it off the heat entirely for a couple seconds).
- Use the smallest burner on your stove to avoid over heating the pot.
- Stir continuously while the Thai Sweet Chili Sauce is reducing.
- Make sure your container is well sealed to prevent your sauce from spoiling.
- Avoid dipping directly into the jar and only use clean utensils – any bacteria from food or used utensils will make your sauce go bad faster.
- Don’t leave your sauce out – put it back in the refrigerator after opening or using.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This Thai Sweet Chili Sauce recipe was originally posted in July 2024, and updated in January 2026.
