Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of bold and vibrant flavors, this Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce will become a go-to in your kitchen. Combining the natural sweetness of pineapple with the zesty heat of sambal oelek, this sauce hits all the right notes. It’s easy to make, ready in just 20 minutes, and can be stored for later use. The smooth texture and delightful balance between sweet and spicy make it versatile enough to pair with grilled meats, stir-fries, or even as a dip for appetizers. Plus, you can customize the heat level to your liking by adjusting the sambal oelek or chili garlic sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 cup rice vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sambal oelek (or other chili garlic sauce)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a blender, combine the pineapple chunks, rice vinegar, water, sugar, soy sauce, sambal oelek, and minced garlic. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
3. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
4. Once the sauce reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cornstarch slurry.
5. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool.
7. Transfer to a jar or bottle and refrigerate until ready to use.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 10 servings
• Calories: 50 kcal per serving

Variations

• Heat Adjustment: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of sambal oelek or chili garlic sauce. Alternatively, add extra to make it spicier.
• Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar depending on how sweet or tart you like your sauce. You can also experiment with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• Fruit Variations: Swap out the pineapple for other tropical fruits like mango or papaya for a unique twist on the sauce.
• Low-Sodium Version: To make a lower-sodium version, use tamari or a low-sodium soy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?

Yes, canned pineapple works perfectly well! Just make sure to drain the syrup before using the chunks.

2. Is there a substitute for sambal oelek?

Yes, you can substitute sambal oelek with other chili garlic sauces, such as Sriracha or chili paste, depending on your heat preference.

3. Can I make this sauce spicier?

Absolutely! Increase the amount of sambal oelek or add some chopped fresh chili peppers to give it more heat.

4. Can I make this sauce in advance?

Yes, this sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge. It actually tastes better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld.

5. What can I pair this Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce with?

This sauce is great with grilled meats, fried spring rolls, stir-fries, or even as a glaze for roasted vegetables. It’s also delicious as a dipping sauce for appetizers.

6. Can I use this as a marinade?

Yes, this sauce can double as a marinade for chicken, pork, or tofu. Just marinate the protein for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

7. How do I thicken the sauce more?

If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and cook until you reach your desired thickness.

8. Can I freeze this sauce?

Yes, you can freeze this sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.

9. How can I make this sauce vegan?

This recipe is already vegan if you use a plant-based soy sauce. Just double-check the ingredients of your sambal oelek to ensure it’s vegan-friendly.

10. What should I do if the sauce is too sweet for my taste?

If it’s too sweet, try adding a splash more rice vinegar or a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness.

Conclusion

This Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy. Easy to make and versatile, it’s ideal for adding flavor to your favorite dishes. Whether you’re glazing chicken, drizzling over vegetables, or dipping appetizers, this sauce is sure to impress. Plus, with its quick prep time and ability to store in the fridge for up to two weeks, you’ll always have a flavorful sauce ready for any occasion.