Zingy, bold, and bursting with depth, Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce is the spicy secret weapon every kitchen should have. Whether you’re drizzling it over dumplings, stirring it into noodles, or using it as a marinade for grilled favorites, this sauce hits all the right notes: savory, tangy, and just the right kind of spicy. Bringing this fiery condiment to life is much easier than you might think, with just a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients and a quick stovetop simmer. Trust me, once you whip up a batch of this, you’ll want to put it on just about everything!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you—the magic of this sauce lies in the balance between each item. Every component has a purpose, whether it’s adding heat, depth, tang, or a hint of sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need for unforgettable Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce:
- Red chili peppers: Bright, vibrant, and adjustable in heat—Fresnos or red jalapeños offer the perfect balance between spicy and fruity.
- Garlic cloves: They provide that signature punchy aroma and flavor that elevates the entire sauce.
- White vinegar: Not only does this preserve your sauce, but it also delivers essential tang to brighten every bite.
- Sugar: Just a touch smooths out the heat and highlights the natural sweetness in the peppers.
- Salt: Balances out all the flavors and is crucial for bringing out the savoriness.
- Neutral oil: Helps the sauce cook and blend smoothly while carrying flavors throughout.
How to Make Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Prep the Peppers and Garlic
Start by removing the stems from your red chili peppers. If you want extra spice, leave some seeds in; otherwise, remove them for a milder kick. Give the garlic cloves a quick peel—no need to mince or chop, as the blender will do the work.
Step 2: Blend to Your Desired Consistency
Add the prepared chili peppers and garlic cloves to a food processor or blender. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped. You can opt for a chunkier texture if you love a rustic feel, or keep blending until silky-smooth for that restaurant-style finish. The choice is yours!
Step 3: Cook the Sauce
Scrape the chili-garlic mixture into a saucepan set over medium heat. Stir in the vinegar, sugar, salt, and oil until everything is incorporated. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat. Let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring every so often, until the aroma is irresistible and the sauce has thickened just a little.
Step 4: Cool and Jar
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let your Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce cool for about 10 minutes. Once it’s no longer piping hot, transfer it into a clean glass jar or airtight container. This not only makes it easy to serve, but keeps it fresh for the next two weeks.
How to Serve Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce
Garnishes
A spoonful of Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce is irresistible on its own, but for an eye-catching finishing touch, try sprinkling on sesame seeds or finely sliced green onions. A splash of freshly squeezed lime juice just before serving adds brightness, especially if you’re using the sauce as a dip.
Side Dishes
This sauce is a match made in heaven for everything from steamed dumplings to grilled vegetables. It brings noodles, fried rice, or even a simple bowl of jasmine rice to life. Try stirring it into stir-fries or brushing it on roasted tofu for an instant flavor upgrade.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be shy about using your Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce as part of a grazing board or noodle bar—let guests drizzle and dip to their hearts’ content. Fill tiny ramekins or glass jars and pair with spring rolls, or swirl a bit into mayonnaise or yogurt for a bold homemade dip or sandwich spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your chili garlic sauce in a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Tucked away in the refrigerator, it’ll keep for up to two weeks—if you can resist finishing it before then! Always use a clean spoon to avoid introducing any unwanted bacteria.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce for longer storage. Pour the sauce into silicone ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers and freeze. Once solid, transfer cubes to a freezer bag; just thaw portions as needed for a speedy hit of heat.
Reheating
This sauce is delicious cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer it warm, simply heat in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir gently and only warm what you plan to use, as repeated reheating can affect flavor.
FAQs
How spicy is Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce?
The spiciness depends on the type Condiment. Fresno peppers and red jalapeños are relatively mild, but if you crave heat, keep the seeds in or mix in a hotter chili variety.
Can I use other types of vinegar?
Absolutely! While white vinegar keeps the flavors clean and bright, rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar can add a subtle twist to the sauce. Just keep in mind that each will alter the flavor profile slightly.
What dishes pair best with Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce?
This sauce is delicious with Asian stir-fries, grilled meats, dumplings, fried rice, eggs, or even as a zip for avocado toast. Its versatility makes it a great addition to just about any savory dish that could use a punch of heat and flavor.
Is Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! As written, all the ingredients are vegan and gluten-free. If you decide to add fish sauce for an umami boost, it would no longer be vegan, so keep that in mind for dietary restrictions.
How can I make the sauce even more flavorful?
Try adding a splash of fish sauce or soy sauce while simmering for an extra layer of savory umami. Smoked salt or a pinch of cumin can also introduce unexpected depth, letting you customize it to your taste.
Final Thoughts
Making Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce is truly a game changer—simple to whip up and guaranteed to spark joy with every spicy, garlicky spoonful. You’ll find endless creative uses and taste the difference freshness makes. Bring a batch to your table soon and watch as it transforms every meal!
Print
Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Learn how to make your own Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce with this easy recipe. This spicy condiment is perfect for adding a kick to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound red chili peppers (such as Fresno or red jalapeños), stems removed
- 6 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the chili peppers and garlic to a food processor or blender and pulse until finely chopped.
- Step 2: Transfer the mixture to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the vinegar, sugar, salt, and oil. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Let the sauce cool slightly, then transfer to a clean glass jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
You can leave it slightly chunky or blend smooth, depending on preference.
Notes
- For extra heat, keep some of the seeds in the peppers.
- You can also add a splash of fish sauce or soy sauce for an umami boost.
- Use as a condiment, stir-fry base, or marinade.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 20
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
