Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce Recipe
Imagine a sauce that instantly brightens any dish with sweet, tangy, and just-the-right-amount-of-heat flavors. That’s exactly what you get with Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce, a tropical twist on the classic sweet chili dip that you’ll want to drizzle, dip, and glaze everything with. The juicy pineapple, balanced by a gentle kick of chili and a hint of garlic, creates a vibrant condiment that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re tossing it with crispy tofu, spooning it over grilled chicken, or simply serving as a dip for crunchy spring rolls, this sauce is pure sunshine in a jar!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients, each playing an essential role in building layers of flavor, color, and that crave-worthy sticky texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Crushed pineapple with juice: This is the tropical heart of the sauce, adding natural sweetness and juicy texture.
- Rice vinegar: For the perfect tangy balance, rice vinegar keeps things bright and lively.
- Granulated sugar: Boosts the sweetness and helps the sauce achieve a glossy, syrupy finish.
- Water: Keeps the consistency just right so the sauce isn’t too thick or too thin.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds a gentle heat and a classic chili flavor that’s familiar and loved.
- Soy sauce: Brings umami and just a hint of salty depth.
- Cornstarch (mixed with water): This quick slurry is the secret to that beautiful, silky thickness.
- Garlic (minced): For a savory base note that keeps the sauce from being overly sweet.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): If you crave extra heat, these add a lovely, fiery edge.
- Pinch of salt: Just enough to tie all the flavors together.
How to Make Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by grabbing a small saucepan and setting it over medium heat. Add the crushed pineapple (juice and all), rice vinegar, sugar, water, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if you’re going for a spicy kick), and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture looks well combined. This is where the magic starts, as the aromas begin to mingle and the flavors start building from the very first bubble.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Once your mixture comes to a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives the flavors time to blend and the pineapple to break down a bit, infusing the sauce with its sunny sweetness. You’ll notice the sauce starting to smell irresistible—sweet, tangy, and a little garlicky.
Step 3: Thicken with Cornstarch Slurry
Now, it’s time for the transformation! Slowly pour in your cornstarch-water slurry while stirring the sauce. Keep stirring for another 2 to 3 minutes, and watch as the mixture thickens and turns glossy. This is the step that takes your Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce from runny to perfectly scoopable, ideal for dipping or drizzling.
Step 4: Finish and Cool
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly. You can serve it warm for a cozy, comforting feel, or let it chill in the fridge for a refreshing, zesty dip. Either way, transfer any leftovers to a sealed jar or container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week, so you can enjoy bursts of tropical flavor any time!
How to Serve Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle your Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or a few extra red pepper flakes. If you want to go all out, a quick scatter of toasted sesame seeds adds a subtle crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
Side Dishes
This sauce is an absolute match made in heaven for crispy spring rolls, grilled chicken, fried tofu, shrimp, or as a glaze for roasted vegetables. Try serving it with coconut rice, steamed jasmine rice, or even as a vibrant dip for sweet potato fries—the possibilities are endless and always delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your next meal into a special occasion by using Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce as a drizzle over Buddha bowls, a base for a tropical pizza, or a flavorful accompaniment to a cheese platter. For party appetizers, serve it in tiny shot glasses with skewered shrimp or veggies for easy, elegant dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce stores beautifully! Simply pour any extra sauce into a clean, airtight jar or container and refrigerate. It’ll keep its vibrant flavor and texture for up to a week, making it easy to add a tropical twist to your meals all week long.
Freezing
If you want to save your sauce for even longer, freezing is a great option. Pour cooled sauce into a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of room for expansion. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using—give it a quick stir to bring back its silky consistency.
Reheating
When you’re ready to use your sauce again, just reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened a bit too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just finely chop fresh pineapple and include any juices. You may want to add a little extra sugar to get the same level of sweetness as canned pineapple in juice.
Is this sauce very spicy?
The base recipe is mild with just a gentle warmth from the sweet chili sauce. For those who like more heat, simply add more red pepper flakes to crank up the spice!
Can I make this Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check your sweet chili sauce label to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.
What if I want a smoother sauce?
If you prefer a silky texture, let the sauce cool a bit, then blend it until smooth using a blender or immersion blender. This makes it perfect for drizzling over dishes or using as a dipping sauce.
How can I use leftovers creatively?
Leftover Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce is fantastic as a marinade for tofu or chicken, a glaze for roasted veggies, or even stirred into fried rice for a sweet and spicy twist!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a burst of tropical flair and irresistible flavor to your kitchen, this Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce is the answer. It’s quick, easy, and the kind of sauce you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Give it a try and watch your favorite meals come to life!
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Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 ¼ cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce is a vibrant, tangy, and slightly spicy condiment perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes. Combining crushed pineapple, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of soy, this sauce offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors with a tropical twist. Ideal as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, a glaze for grilled chicken, or a topping for roasted vegetables, it’s easy to prepare and brings a burst of flavor to any meal.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
- ½ cup rice vinegar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Pinch of salt
Thickening Agent
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix the crushed pineapple with juice, rice vinegar, sugar, water, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine.
- Bring to Boil: Heat the mixture until it reaches a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and dissolve the sugar fully.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 to 6 minutes. Stir occasionally to blend the flavors and evenly heat the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) while continuously stirring. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and develops a glossy appearance.
- Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly. The sauce can be used warm or chilled according to preference. Transfer to a sealed jar or container and refrigerate. Use within one week for best quality.
Notes
- This sauce pairs perfectly with spring rolls, grilled chicken, fried tofu, shrimp, or as a glaze for roasted vegetables.
- Adjust the sugar or chili flakes according to your desired sweetness or spice level.
- For a smoother texture, blend the sauce after it has cooled.
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within one week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
