There’s something magical about a sauce that can instantly elevate any dish, and trust me, this Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce is exactly that. It’s spicy, garlicky, and packed with bold flavors that make everything taste better. Whether you’re drizzling it over noodles, mixing it into stir-fries, or using it as a dipping sauce, this one’s a game-changer. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make at home! Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
This sauce works with everything! Use it as a condiment, a marinade, or even a base for other sauces. It adds a fiery, garlicky kick to anything you pair it with.
Budget-Friendly
Why spend money on store-bought chili garlic sauce when you can make a fresher, tastier version at home for a fraction of the cost? Plus, you probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen.
Quick and Easy
You only need 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking to whip up this flavorful sauce. Minimal effort, maximum flavor!
Customizable
Adjust the heat level to your preference—whether you want a mild tingle or a fiery explosion, this sauce is completely adaptable to your spice tolerance.
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce
Here’s the magic of this sauce—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Red Chili Peppers: The heart of the sauce. Use fresh red chilies for a vibrant, spicy kick. If you prefer a milder heat, opt for red bell peppers mixed with a few hot chilies.
Garlic: Bold, pungent, and slightly sweet when cooked—it adds depth and richness to the sauce.
Vinegar: Helps preserve the sauce while adding a tangy balance to the heat.
Sugar: A touch of sweetness rounds out the flavors and enhances the natural taste of the chilies.
Salt: Brings all the ingredients together, highlighting their best qualities.
Oil: Helps extract and preserve the flavors while giving the sauce a rich texture.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by washing and drying the chili peppers. Remove the stems and roughly chop them. Peel and mince the garlic for maximum flavor.
Blend the Mixture
In a food processor, combine the chopped chilies, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Blend until you get a slightly chunky texture—smooth but still with some bite.
Cook the Sauce
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended chili mixture and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil starts to separate, and the aroma is rich and spicy.
Adjust the Flavor
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If it’s too spicy, add a bit more sugar. If it’s too tangy, balance it out with a little more salt.
Store the Sauce
Once cooled, transfer your homemade chili garlic sauce into a clean, airtight jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Serve and Enjoy
Use it as a dip, a marinade, or a topping—this sauce is the ultimate companion to your favorite dishes!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 25
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Drizzle it over noodles for an instant flavor boost.
- Use it as a dipping sauce for dumplings, spring rolls, or crispy tofu.
- Mix it into stir-fries to add a spicy, garlicky punch.
- Marinate meats or tofu with it for a bold, flavorful kick.
- Spread it on sandwiches or burgers for an unexpected spicy twist.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use gloves when handling chili peppers to avoid burning your skin.
- Adjust the spice level by removing the seeds from the chilies.
- For a smoother texture, blend the sauce longer or strain it after cooking.
- Store it properly in a clean jar to extend its shelf life.
- Experiment with different chili varieties for unique flavors.
FAQs
Can I use dried chili peppers instead of fresh ones?
Yes! Soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before blending to soften them.
How long does homemade chili garlic sauce last?
It can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Absolutely! Freeze it in small portions and thaw as needed.
What can I use instead of vinegar?
Lime juice or lemon juice can work as a substitute, but it will slightly alter the flavor.
Is this sauce very spicy?
It depends on the type of chilies used. You can adjust the heat by removing seeds or mixing in milder peppers.
Can I make it without sugar?
Yes! You can omit sugar or replace it with honey or another natural sweetener.
What oil is best for this recipe?
Neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil work best, but you can also use sesame oil for added flavor.
Why is my sauce too thick?
You can add a splash of water or more vinegar to thin it out.
Can I use this sauce in soup?
Yes! It adds a wonderful depth of flavor to broths and soups.
Does this sauce need to be refrigerated?
Yes, refrigeration helps keep it fresh and prevents spoilage.
Conclusion
There you have it—your very own Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce that’s bursting with bold flavors, ready to take your dishes to the next level. Once you taste the difference of homemade, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. Trust me, this one’s a must-have in your kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy every spicy, garlicky bite!
Print
Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending and Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment that adds a spicy kick to a variety of dishes. This sauce combines the heat of chili peppers with the robust taste of garlic, making it a staple in many kitchens.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (225 grams) red chili peppers (such as red jalapeños or Fresnos)
- 2 heads of garlic, peeled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) white distilled vinegar
- 2 tablespoons water, divided
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
-
Prepare the Peppers:
- Rinse the red chili peppers thoroughly.
- Remove the stems and roughly chop the peppers. For a milder sauce, remove the seeds; for more heat, keep them.
-
Blend the Ingredients:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped chili peppers, peeled garlic cloves, salt, sugar, vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of water.
- Blend the mixture until it reaches a chunky consistency.
- For added texture, remove 1/4 cup of the blended mixture and set it aside.
- Continue blending the remaining mixture until smooth.
-
Cook the Sauce:
- Pour the smooth mixture into a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the reserved chunky mixture to the saucepan.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
-
Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the remaining 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry.
- Once the sauce is simmering, add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan.
- Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
-
Cool and Store:
- Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool completely.
- Transfer the cooled sauce into a sterilized jar or airtight container.
- Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Storage: When stored properly in the refrigerator, this chili garlic sauce can last up to one month. Always use a clean spoon to scoop out the sauce to maintain its freshness.
- Adjusting Heat: The spiciness of the sauce depends on the type and amount of chili peppers used. Feel free to adjust according to your heat preference.
- Uses: This sauce is perfect as a condiment for dumplings, noodles, stir-fries, or as a marinade base for meats and vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: Approximately 9 kcal
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Sodium: 575mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1.8g
- Fiber: 1.1g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg