Chili Sauce, a classic American condiment, is known for its sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Made from tomato paste or puree, chili flakes and powder, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, spices, honey, and brown sugar, it's a versatile addition to many dishes.
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The charm of homemade sauce lies in its freshness and customizable taste. Ingredients like Worcestershire sauce and spices contribute depth, while honey and brown sugar balance the heat. Vinegar not only adds tanginess but also aids in preservation, extending the sauce's shelf life.
This sauce isn't just limited to American cuisine; it's a popular component in various Indo-Chinese and Chinese recipes, adding a unique twist to dishes like fried rice. Ready in just 10 minutes, this Homemade Chili Sauce is not only easy to prepare but also stays fresh for weeks, perfect for everyday use or special gatherings.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To create this flavorful Chili Sauce, you'll need readily available ingredients. Here's a breakdown of what you'll need and potential substitutions:
- Tomato Paste or Puree: Both are suitable for this recipe. Tomato paste, which I've used, offers a thicker consistency.
- Rice Vinegar: This ingredient adds a sour and acidic touch, enhancing the sauce's flavor. It also acts as a preservative, extending the sauce's shelf life.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Known for its umami taste, Worcestershire sauce typically contains anchovies. For a vegan version, substitute it with soy sauce or choose a vegan Worcestershire sauce from the store, which provides a similar flavor profile.
- Chili Powder and Flakes: These ingredients bring the necessary heat. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust according to your heat preference.
- Spice Powders: Use clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon powders for their warm, earthy, and spicy notes.
- Brown Sugar and Honey: These sweeteners counterbalance the heat and add complexity to the flavors.
- Water or Broth: This is used to dilute the tomato paste. While I've used water, you can opt for chicken or vegetable broth to enrich the sauce's flavor.
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How to make Spicy Chili Sauce at Home?
Dive into the world of homemade condiments with our easy-to-follow Chili Sauce recipe. Accompanied by step-by-step photos and a detailed video, this guide ensures a delightful and foolproof cooking experience.
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Chili Sauce
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
Instructions
To make Chili Sauce
- Start by placing a saucepan on medium heat. Add in all the ingredients from the list and whisk them together until they're well combined.
- Allow the sauce to come to a boil and let it simmer for about 7 to 10 minutes. This simmering time is crucial for the flavors to blend and infuse.
- After simmering, take the saucepan off the heat. Your Homemade Chili Sauce is now ready for you to taste and enjoy!
To Serve
- Enjoy this Chili Sauce as a versatile condiment. It's perfect for dipping with snacks and appetizers, as a flavorful marinade for meats and seafood, or as a zesty addition to stir-fries and various other dishes.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Tomato Base: Choose between store-bought tomato paste or puree. If using tomato puree, adjust the water or broth quantity accordingly since puree has a thinner consistency than paste.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a distinctive umami flavor. For a vegan alternative, consider soy sauce, miso paste, or vegan Worcestershire sauce to replicate similar tastes.
- Control the Heat: Start with a modest ½ teaspoon of chili powder and flakes. After tasting, you can incrementally increase the amount to suit your heat preference.
- Simmering is Key: Don't overlook the simmering step. It allows the sauce to absorb the flavors from the spices and other ingredients fully.
- Substitutions: If you're out of chili sauce, sambal olek, harissa sauce, hot sauce, sriracha sauce, or spicy tomato sauce make great alternatives. For dips, hot sauce and spicy tomato sauce are especially recommended.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Discover our curated range of stir-fry sauces and condiments, where traditional flavors meet modern culinary innovation. Perfect for enhancing stir-fries, dips, and more, our selection caters to diverse tastes and culinary needs!
How to Use this Sauce?
This versatile Homemade Chili Sauce is perfect as a dipping sauce for snacks, appetizers, chicken wings, and various fried or baked items like drumsticks. It also adds a flavorful touch to stir-fry dishes such as shrimp fried rice and works wonderfully for marinating shrimp, salmon, and chicken.
Storage Suggestions
Keep your Chili Sauce fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will remain good for up to a month.
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