• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Yellow Chili's
  • Food Recipes
  • Drinks
  • Collections
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Food Recipes
  • Drinks
  • Collections
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Food Recipes
    • Drinks
    • Collections
    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Sauces » Chili Sauce

    Spicy Homemade Chili Sauce Recipe

    Published: November 10, 2022 by Sangeetha Vel | Updated: April 1, 2023 Leave a Comment

    16 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Chili Sauce is a sweet, spicy, and savory American condiment. It is usually made of tomato paste or puree, chili flakes and powder, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, spices, and sweetening agents like honey and brown sugar.

    This Homemade Chili Sauce is one of the best and easy-to-make sauces that are usually served as a dipping sauce for shrimp, chicken wings, snacks, or appetizers. It is also used as a marinade in chicken, and seafood recipes. You can also use it as a topping for sandwiches, and burgers, to glaze meatloaf, in meatballs, stir fry dishes, or as a salad dressing.

    The recipe I have shared here shows you how to make Chili Sauce with easy step-by-step instructions for you to try and enjoy at home. I have also shared a detailed video below to make the process visually clear.

    Spicy homemade chili sauce in a white bowl on a grey table with few ingredients around.
    Jump to:
    • What is Chili Sauce?
    • Ingredients
    • How to make Spicy Chili Sauce at Home?
    • Substitute For Chili Sauce
    • Tips
    • Storage Suggestions
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Related Recipes
    • Chili Sauce Recipe Video
    • 📖 Recipe
    • FAQ

    What is Chili Sauce?

    Chili Sauce is a sweet, spicy, and popular American condiment. It is usually made of tomato paste or puree, chili flakes and powder, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, spices, and sweetening agents like honey and brown sugar.

    This sauce is usually served as a dipping sauce for seafood like shrimp, chicken wings, and snacks, and as a marinade in some recipes. It is also used as a topping for sandwiches, and burgers, to glaze meatloaf, in meatballs, stir fry dishes, or as a salad dressing.

    Even though there are many popular brands available in stores, making your homemade sauces are always the best. Especially the ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, and spice powders give the most flavor to your sauce.

    While the honey and brown sugar balance out the heat. Not to mention the role of the vinegar which delivers a sour and acidic taste. Additionally, it helps to extend the shelf life of the sauce as well.

    On the whole, it delivers the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors to your dish. That's why you can also find it as one of the ingredients in many Indo-Chinese recipes like egg fried rice, and also in many Chinese recipes.

    Whether to make yourself a bowl of dipping sauce for your favorite dishes or planning to make it for a get-together or party, this Homemade Chili Sauce is the best. Yes, it comes in handy in under 10 minutes and stays good for several weeks.

    If you are looking for homemade sauces like this, feel free to check out the best stir-fry sauces that are already here in this blog.

    Ingredients

    The ingredients you will need to make this Chili Sauce are pretty basic and you should easily find them in your local grocery stores. So let's see what are they below.

    Chili sauce recipe ingredients placed on a grey table.
    • Tomato Paste or Puree - Tomato paste or puree both work fine for this recipe. I have used paste here but feel free to use puree if that's handy for you. But if you are planning to use puree then you have to adjust the water or broth quantity because the puree is not thick as the paste
    • Rice Vinegar - Gives a sour and acidic flavor to your sauce. Also, it is a good ingredient that acts as a preservative that increases the shelf life of the sauce
    • Worcestershire Sauce - Delivers the fresh umami flavor and taste. Usually, Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies as one of the ingredients, so if you want to make a vegan-friendly sauce then you can substitute it with soy sauce. Also, you can find many vegan-friendly Worcestershire sauces in stores that deliver the similar result
    • Chili Powder and Flakes - Delivers the essential heat for the sauce. But I suggest starting with ½ tsp and then increasing the quantity if needed
    • Spice Powders - Clove powder, nutmeg powder, and cinnamon powder for a warm, earthy, and spicy flavor
    • Brown Sugar and Honey - balance the heat, and complex flavors
    • Water or Broth - To thin out the tomato paste. Even though I have used water, you can use chicken or veggie broth to enhance the flavor of the sauce

    For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below

    How to make Spicy Chili Sauce at Home?

    The recipe I have shared here is a Spicy Homemade Chili Sauce, which is widely used as a dipping sauce or condiment for making many dishes. This sauce makes a perfect side sauce for your snacks, appetizers, and starters. The bonus is it comes in handy in under 10 minutes to make it from scratch.

    Spicy homemade chili sauce in a white bowl on a grey table with few ingredients around.

    Following are the high-level instructions to make this recipe but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and video, please check out the recipe card below.

    • Add & Whisk - In a saucepan with medium heat, add all the ingredients mentioned in the recipe card below. Whisk well until everything incorporated
    • Simmer - Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 7 to 10 minutes. This will help the flavors to infuse together
    • Remove - Now remove the Sauce from the heat and it is now ready for you to taste and enjoy
    • Serve or Store - this Homemade Chili Sauce as a dipping sauce for your snacks, appetizers, chicken wings, or baked drumsticks, or as a condiment in stir-fry dishes like Schezwan fried rice, chili paneer, chili chicken, for marinating shrimp, salmon, and chicken. You can also store this sauce for up to 1 month in the refrigerator

    Substitute For Chili Sauce

    Are you short on time, and need the best substitute for Chili Sauce? Don't worry, there are a few alternatives to mimic the similar flavor of the chili sauce if you are using it as a condiment, marinade, or dipping sauce for your food dishes.

    Sambal Olek, harissa sauce, hot sauce, sriracha sauce, and spicy tomato sauce are some of the best substitutes for chili sauce. These substitutes can be used instead of chili sauce in your recipes, but for dipping, I recommend hot sauce and spicy tomato sauce.

    Tips

    • Use tomato paste or puree - You can use either store-bought tomato paste or puree for making this sauce and adjust the liquid base to thin out the consistency as needed
    • Increase your heat gradually - I recommend the chili powder and flakes starting with ½ tsp, taste test, and then gradually increase if needed
    • Worcestershire Sauce - It delivers unique umami flavors but feels free to skip if you are looking for vegan-friendly sauce. Soy sauce, miso paste, or store-bought vegan Worcestershire sauce can be a perfect alternative for achieving similar results
    • Boil for a few minutes - Make sure not to skip the simmering part of the sauce, which helps to absorb all the flavors from the spices and other ingredients

    Storage Suggestions

    You can store this sauce for up to 1 month in the refrigerator in a closed airtight container.

    Serving Suggestions

    You can serve this Homemade Chili Sauce as a dipping sauce for your snacks, appetizers, chicken wings, fried recipes, or baked drumsticks, or as a condiment in stir-fry dishes like Schezwan fried rice, chilli paneer, chilli chicken, for marinating shrimp, salmon, and chicken.

    Related Recipes

    You can also find similar sauce recipes below and more at dips & condiments.

    • Chili Garlic Sauce
    • Sweet Chili Sauce
    • Chili Oil
    • Sweet and Sour Sauce
    • Tamarind Sauce
    • Buffalo Wings Sauce
    • Szechuan Sauce
    • Stir Fry Sauce
    • Teriyaki Sauce
    • Orange Sauce
    • Kung Pao Sauce
    • General Tso's Sauce
    • Ginger Garlic Paste
    • Yellow Curry Paste
    • Red Curry Paste
    • Chili Seasoning

    Chili Sauce Recipe Video

    I have also shared a detailed video of this Chili Sauce Recipe that I hope will help you to make a spicy sauce or condiment at home. You could also find this recipe in a story format.

    📖 Recipe

    Spicy homemade chili sauce in a white bowl on a grey table with few ingredients around.

    Chili Sauce

    Chili Sauce is a sweet, spicy, and savory American condiment. It is usually made of tomato paste or puree, chili flakes and powder, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, spices, and sweetening agents like honey and brown sugar. This Homemade Chili Sauce is one of the best and easy-to-make sauces that are usually served as a dipping sauce for shrimp, chicken wings, snacks, or appetizers. It is also used as a marinade in chicken, and seafood recipes. You can also use it as a topping for sandwiches, and burgers, to glaze meatloaf, in meatballs, stir fry dishes, or as a salad dressing.
    5 from 1 vote
    Author: Sangeetha Vel
    Subscribe
    print email pin comment Save Saved!
    Course: Dips & Condiments
    Cuisine: American
    Prep: 2 mins
    Cook: 10 mins
    Adjust 8 servings

    Ingredients
     
     

    • ¾ cup Tomato Paste, 6 oz can
    • 2 tbsp Honey
    • 3 tbsp Brown Sugar
    • 1 tsp Chili Powder, start with ½ tsp then increase if needed or use paprika
    • 1 tsp Chili Flakes, start with ½ tsp then increase if needed
    • ¼ tsp Clove Powder
    • ¼ tsp Cinnamon Powder
    • ¼ tsp Nutmeg Powder
    • 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
    • ½ tsp Worcestershire Sauce, skip for a vegan version, or sub with soy sauce
    • 1 cup Water, or broth of your choice
    • Salt, as needed
    More on Measurements & Conversions »
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    To make Chili Sauce

    • In a saucepan with medium heat, add all the ingredients mentioned in the list above. Whisk well until everything incorporated
      Adding the chili flakes into the saucepan.
    • Allow the sauce to boil for at least 7 to 10 minutes. This will help the flavors to infuse together
      Chili Sauce boiling in a saucepan.
    • Now remove the Chili Sauce from the heat and it is now ready for you to taste and enjoy
      Serving Chili Sauce in a white bowl.

    To Serve

    • Serve this Homemade Chili Sauce as a dipping sauce for your snacks, appetizers, chicken wings, baked drumsticks, or as a condiment in stir-fry dishes like Schezwan fried rice, chilli paneer, chilli chicken, for marinating shrimp, salmon, and chicken. You can also store this sauce for up to 1 month in the refrigerator
      Chili Sauce in a white bowl with few ingredients on the side.

    Video

    Notes

    • Use tomato paste or puree - You can use either store-bought tomato paste or puree for making this sauce and adjust the liquid base to thin out the consistency as needed
    • Increase your heat gradually - I recommend the chili powder and flakes starting with ½ tsp, taste test, and then gradually increase if needed
    • Worcestershire Sauce - It delivers unique umami flavors but feels free to skip if you are looking for vegan-friendly sauce. Soy sauce, miso paste, or store-bought vegan Worcestershire sauce can be a perfect alternative for achieving similar results
    • Boil for a few minutes - Make sure not to skip the simmering part of the sauce, which helps to absorb all the flavors from the spices and other ingredients

    Nutrition

    Serving: 4tbsp | Calories: 56kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 210mg | Potassium: 272mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 523IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @yellowchilis or tag #yellowchilis!

    FAQ

    What is Chili Sauce?

    Chili Sauce is a sweet, spicy, and popular American condiment. It is usually made of tomato paste or puree, chili flakes and powder, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, spices, and sweetening agents like honey and brown sugar.

    What can I use as a substitute for chili sauce?

    Sambal Olek, harissa sauce, hot sauce, sriracha sauce, tomato, and spicy tomato sauce are some of the best substitutes for chili sauce. These substitutes can be instead of chili sauce in your recipes, but for dipping, I recommend hot sauce and spicy tomato sauce.

    How long does this Chili Sauce last?

    You can store this sauce for up to 1 month in the refrigerator in a closed airtight container.

    What do you use Chili Sauce for?

    You can serve this Homemade Chili Sauce as a dipping sauce for your snacks, appetizers, chicken wings, fried recipes, or baked drumsticks, or as a condiment in stir-fry dishes like Schezwan fried rice, chilli paneer, chilli chicken, for marinating shrimp, salmon, and chicken.

    I hope you enjoyed the recipe I shared here and I would love to hear from you about how it turned out for you. Please let me know.

    If you have any other questions, feel free to post them in the comment section below and I will try to get back to you as soon as possible.

    Happy Cooking!

    Related Recipes:

    Thai Sweet Chili Sauce in a white bowl with few ingredients around.Homemade Thai Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe Spicy Garlic Chili Chicken Recipe Teriyaki Sauce in a white square cup on a grey table with few ingredients around.Homemade Teriyaki Sauce and Marinade Recipe Basil Pesto Sauce in a white bowl with chili flakes scattered around.Homemade Basil Pesto Sauce Recipe
    « Raita Recipe
    Easy and Best One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe »
    16 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Review Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Rate the Recipe!




    Primary Sidebar

    Hey, Nice to see you!

    Sangeetha Vel Yellow Chili's

    Hi, I'm Sangeetha Vel! the author, recipe researcher, creator, and cooking hands behind Yellow Chili's. A realistic, friendly, empathetic, and enthusiastic foodie who loves to share authentic, easy, quick, healthy, instant, and kids-approved recipes.

    More about me →

    Stay Connected
















    Featured Recipes

    • Eggplant Parmesan in a Ceramic Baking tray
      Eggplant Parmesan Recipe
    • Honey Glazed Carrots served in a white bowl with greens and rice nearby
      Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
    • Thai Iced Tea served in a tall glass with condensed milk and cookies placed near by.
      Thai Tea Recipe
    • Bubble Tea served in a glass with brown sugar placed in a bowl.
      Bubble Tea Recipe (Boba Milk Tea)
    • Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks in a plate
      Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
    • Fried Shrimp in a bowl
      Fried Shrimp Recipe
    • Oatmeal smoothie served in a glass with oatmeal placed in a bowl.
      Oatmeal Smoothie Recipe
    • Hot Cocoa served in a cup topped with marshmallows.
      Hot Cocoa Recipe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Stay Connected

    • Contact Us
    • Sign Up for Recipes

    More Contents

    • Web-Stories

    Copyright © 2023 Yellow Chili's