Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
Try this Thai Sweet Chili Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Thai Sweet Chili Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
- Carbohydrate 7.25710167143988 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.040043333334191 g
- Fiber 0.197916658575873 g
- Protein 0.48922500000446 g
- Saturated Fat 0.00719833333348772 g
- Serving Size 1 1 cup (307g)
- Sodium 27917.5499135597 mg
- Sugar 7.05918501286401 g
- Trans Fat 0.0113483333333333 g
- Calories 52 calories
Step-by-step
- Slice peppers in half.
- Remove seeds and veins to your liking (see note below).
- In the bowl of a food processor or blender combine peppers, garlic, sugar, vinegar, water and salt.
- Blend until only very small flecks of the peppers remain.
- Transfer to a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until sugar is completely dissolved, 4 to 5 minutes. (Make sure you stir the sauce frequently as it cooks - it's prone to bubble over.)
- To Thicken: Whisk together 2 Tbsp hot water and 2 Tbsp Cornstarch and add it to the sauce.
- Simmer for a couple minutes longer, until the sauce is thickened to your liking. (You can also skip the addition of the cornstarch and just simmer the sauce down until it reduces by about half which takes 15 to 20 minutes. I think the flavor is more "clean" this way, but it yields a more watery sauce. The cornstarch addition is definitely the fastest and easiest way to go.)
My Unexpected Culinary Adventure: Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
Life as a busy mom is a whirlwind of school runs, playdates, and endless laundry. Finding time for anything beyond the basics feels like a luxury. But lately, I’ve been rediscovering the simple joys of cooking, spurred on by a desire to create healthier meals for my family and a yearning for something beyond the routine.
This quest for culinary excitement led me to the vibrant world of Thai cuisine, a vibrant tapestry of flavors I'd only previously experienced in takeout containers. I started small, with a recipe for Thai sweet chili sauce. The idea itself seemed almost audacious; could I, a woman who struggles to find time to brush my hair before noon, actually create something as complex and delicious as authentic Thai food?
To my surprise, the answer was a resounding yes. The process of making this sauce was surprisingly simple, a calming counterpoint to the chaos of my daily life. The rhythmic chopping of peppers, the satisfying whir of the blender, and the gentle simmering of the sauce became mini-meditations. Each step was a small act of self-care, a moment stolen away from the demands of the day.
The ingredients were readily available at my local grocery store, transforming my kitchen into a miniature Thai market. The vibrant red peppers hinted at the fiery heat I anticipated, while the fragrant garlic promised a savory depth. As the sauce simmered, the kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of sweet and spicy perfection.
The finished product was a revelation. The sauce was a beautiful balance of sweet and spicy, tangy and rich. It was incredibly versatile, enhancing everything from grilled chicken and spring rolls to stir-fries and noodles. It became a staple in our house, adding a touch of exotic flair to even the simplest of meals.
Beyond the deliciousness, making this sauce taught me a valuable lesson about the power of small acts of creativity. In the midst of my busy life, I found joy in crafting something delicious from simple ingredients. It’s a reminder that even amidst the whirlwind, there's always time for a little culinary adventure, a chance to discover new flavors and create beautiful memories in the kitchen.
The experience also reaffirmed the importance of taking time for myself, even if it’s only for the few minutes it takes to simmer a batch of homemade sauce. It’s in these small moments, the quiet acts of creation and the satisfaction of a job well done, that I rediscover the richness and depth of life beyond the school runs and laundry piles.
I encourage you to try this recipe yourself. It’s a gateway to a world of flavor, a chance to add a touch of excitement to your own everyday routines. And who knows, it might just lead you on your own unexpected culinary adventure.
Ingredients I used:
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 5 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp hot water
- 1 cup rice vinegar
- 5 red jalapeno peppers (adjust quantity based on spice preference)
