This Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce is a perfect blend of heat and flavor that will elevate any dish. With fresh red chilies, garlic, and just the right amount of vinegar and sugar, it’s an easy and versatile condiment to keep on hand. You can use it as a dipping sauce, a marinade, or add it to your favorite dishes for that extra spicy kick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade chili garlic sauce is a great way to add vibrant flavor and spice to your meals. It’s customizable to your heat preference, with fresh ingredients and no preservatives. The garlic brings a fragrant depth to the sauce, while the balance of vinegar and sugar adds a perfect tangy-sweet contrast to the heat of the chilies. Whether you’re cooking stir-fries, grilling meats, or preparing noodles, this sauce will enhance any dish with bold, fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- 5-6 fresh red chilies (adjust for heat preference)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp vinegar (white or rice vinegar)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, for balance)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a food processor or blender, combine the chilies, minced garlic, vinegar, salt, and sugar (if using). Blend until smooth.
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the blended mixture to the pan.
- Cook the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to enhance the flavors.
- Let the sauce cool, and it’s ready to use!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 1/2 cup of sauce
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
Variations
- Add a bit of ginger for an aromatic kick.
- For a milder sauce, use fewer chilies or remove the seeds.
- Try substituting the sugar with honey for a more natural sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before using.
FAQs
1. Can I use dried chilies instead of fresh ones?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the quantity and soak them in warm water to rehydrate before blending.
2. Can I make this sauce without vinegar?
Vinegar adds tanginess and acts as a preservative. If you prefer, you can use lemon juice as a substitute.
3. How can I reduce the heat in the sauce?
Use fewer chilies or remove the seeds to make the sauce milder.
4. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic provides a stronger, more fragrant flavor, but garlic powder can be used as a substitute in a pinch.
5. Can I add other spices to the sauce?
Yes, feel free to add cumin, paprika, or even a dash of soy sauce for additional flavor.
6. How can I make this sauce thicker?
You can cook it for a little longer or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it.
7. Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, store the sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before using.
8. Can I use this sauce in a stir-fry?
Absolutely! It’s great as a stir-fry sauce or as a marinade for meats and vegetables.
9. How spicy is this sauce?
The heat depends on the type of chilies you use. Adjust the number of chilies to your preference.
10. Can I make this sauce without oil?
You can skip the oil, but it will affect the texture and mouthfeel of the sauce.
Conclusion
This Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce is a simple yet flavorful addition to your kitchen arsenal. With its bold combination of heat, garlic, and vinegar, it’s the perfect condiment for spicing up a variety of dishes. Customize it to suit your taste, and enjoy the fresh, zesty kick it adds to every meal!
Print
Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: About ½ cup of sauce
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending, Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce is a fiery and flavorful condiment made with fresh red chilies, garlic, vinegar, and a touch of sugar. Perfect for stir-fries, grilling, or as a dipping sauce, it adds a vibrant, spicy kick to any dish. With no preservatives, it’s customizable to your heat preference and easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- 5–6 fresh red chilies (adjust for heat preference)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp vinegar (white or rice vinegar)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- ½ tsp salt (to taste)
- ½ tsp sugar (optional, for balance)
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, combine the chilies, minced garlic, vinegar, salt, and sugar (if using). Blend until smooth.
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the blended mixture to the pan.
- Cook the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to enhance the flavors.
- Let the sauce cool, and it’s ready to use!
Notes
- Add ginger for an aromatic kick.
- For a milder sauce, use fewer chilies or remove the seeds.
- Substitute sugar with honey for a more natural sweetness.
- Feel free to add spices like cumin or paprika for extra depth of flavor.
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