Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce Recipe
If you’re looking to bring a burst of bold, tangy, and tropical flavor to your table, you’re going to fall in love with this Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce. It’s a vibrant blend of juicy pineapple, zesty rice vinegar, and a subtle kick of chili that transforms any meal from ordinary to absolutely memorable. Whether you’re splashing it over grilled chicken, dipping in a crispy egg roll, or brushing it on shrimp skewers, each spoonful is an explosion of sweet, spicy, and savory tropical goodness. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this sauce comes together—and how many delicious ways you’ll want to use it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce is just how simple it is to make with only a handful of readily available ingredients. Each item plays a starring role, perfectly balancing fruity sweetness, mild acidity, and gentle heat for a sauce you’ll reach for again and again.
- Crushed pineapple (with juice): Provides juicy sweetness and texture—use canned for convenience, or fresh for extra punch.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a tart brightness that cuts through the sweetness for a truly balanced sauce.
- Water: Slightly thins the sauce to the perfect consistency for dipping or drizzling.
- Granulated sugar: Rounds out the tart flavors and gives that signature sticky-sweet finish.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds a mild heat and unmistakable chili flavor that pairs perfectly with pineapple.
- Cornstarch: The star thickener—just a little bit gives the sauce that glossy, luscious texture.
- Water (for slurry): Blended with cornstarch to smoothly thicken the sauce without lumps.
- Minced garlic: Infuses a layer of aromatic depth and savory warmth.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who crave a fiery finish, this is your time to shine.
- Pinch of salt: Ties together all the sweet, tangy, and spicy notes into one harmonious sauce.
How to Make Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce
Step 1: Combine Your Core Ingredients
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and setting it over medium heat. To create the flavor base, add your crushed pineapple along with all its juice, rice vinegar, ½ cup water, sugar, sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, red pepper flakes if you’re feeling bold, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together and bring it up to a lively simmer—this is where the magic begins!
Step 2: Whisk Up the Cornstarch Slurry
While the sauce is coming to a simmer, let’s get that silky, glossy finish ready! In a small bowl, stir together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water until completely smooth. This quick step ensures your Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce thickens beautifully without any pesky lumps.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Once your sauce is gently bubbling, slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan, stirring constantly. Keep that arm moving! In just a minute or two, you’ll notice the sauce begin to thicken and turn glossy. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes, adjusting the consistency to suit your taste—thicker for glazing or thinner for dipping.
Step 4: Finish and Cool
When your Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce has reached the perfect thickness, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. For a super-smooth finish, feel free to give it a blitz in the blender. Serve warm for a comforting drizzle, or chill it for a zesty, refreshing dip.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce
Garnishes
Presentation matters! Try scattering finely chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds right on top. These little flourishes not only add color but also a fresh, aromatic touch to your Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce.
Side Dishes
This sauce is a true team player and absolutely shines alongside a variety of sides. Serve it as a dip for crispy spring rolls, tempura veggies, or coconut shrimp. It’s equally divine brushed on chicken skewers, spread onto burgers, or tossed with grilled tofu. Your options are endless!
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get playful! Pour your Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce into a hollowed-out pineapple “bowl” for a stunning party centerpiece. Or, drizzle artfully over rice bowls, roasted veggies, or pizza for a tropical, tangy twist that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Simply transfer your cooled Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce into an airtight container and slide it into the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to a week, ready to jazz up next-day lunches or impromptu snacks.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing is a smart option. Portion the sauce into small freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags; it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using—give it a good stir, as the texture may change slightly after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens up too much after chilling or freezing, just add a splash of water to restore that pourable, glossy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple brings even more brightness and a firmer texture. Just be sure to include any captured juice, or add a little extra water to make up the liquid.
Is this sauce spicy?
The baseline Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce is mostly sweet with just a gentle heat from the sweet chili sauce. If you want it spicier, toss in the optional red pepper flakes or increase the amount to taste.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just double-check that your sweet chili sauce is labeled gluten-free, as some brands can contain traces of wheat or barley. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What dishes pair best with this sauce?
It shines on grilled chicken, shrimp, spring rolls, roasted vegetables, sandwiches, and even as a unique pizza drizzle. Use it anywhere you’d love a pop of sweet, fruity, and spicy flavor!
Can I blend the sauce for a smoother texture?
Definitely! After cooking, simply let it cool a bit and blitz it with an immersion blender or countertop blender until silky-smooth. This makes it even more versatile as a drizzle or salad dressing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to give your meals an irresistible twist, whip up a batch of this Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce. It’s bright, bold, and guaranteed to bring a cheerful splash of flavor to just about anything you try it on. I can’t wait to hear what you pair it with—your kitchen is about to get a whole lot tastier!
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Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 ½ cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A vibrant and sweet yet tangy sauce that perfectly balances the flavors of crushed pineapple, rice vinegar, and sweet chili, with a hint of garlic and red pepper flakes for a kick. This versatile Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce is easy to make and pairs well with a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
- ½ cup rice vinegar
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water (for slurry)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine pineapple, rice vinegar, water, sugar, sweet chili sauce, garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt. Bring to a simmer.
- Create Slurry: In a bowl, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Slowly add to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly.
- Thicken Sauce: Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and cool. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend the sauce after cooking.
- This sauce pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, spring rolls, or as a burger topping.
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 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: 120mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
