If you’re looking to add a burst of tropical flavor and a touch of heat to your table, this Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce is about to become your new obsession. Imagine juicy pineapple mingling with a zippy splash of vinegar and a subtle warmth from garlic, ginger, and chili flakes, all swirled together in a glossy sauce that’s both sweet and spicy. This is not just a condiment—it’s a conversation starter, a way to brighten up everything from chicken skewers to dumplings. If you love bold, addictive flavors you can drizzle over almost anything, this irresistibly tropical Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce is a must-make!

Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce lies in its fresh, easily available ingredients. Each one brings something wonderful to the table, whether it’s bold color, tantalizing aroma, or unbeatable flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Crushed pineapple (with juice): The heart of the sauce, this gives that signature tropical tang and natural sweetness.
Rice vinegar: Delivers a gentle acidity that really lifts every other flavor up without overpowering the sauce.
Water: Helps achieve the perfect pourable consistency.
Granulated sugar: Rounds out the flavors, balancing the tang and spice for a perfect sweet-heat harmony.
Honey: Adds luscious body and helps the sauce acquire its silky, glossy finish.
Soy sauce: Brings a lovely hint of umami and depth, with just enough saltiness to make flavors pop.
Minced garlic: Marrying savory and sharp, garlic adds that essential aromatic base note.
Grated fresh ginger: Just a teaspoon infuses the sauce with gentle warmth and a fresh zing.
Red chili flakes: Use more or less depending on your heat preference, but this is where the magic spicy kick happens.
Cornstarch mixed with water (slurry): The secret to transforming the sauce from runny to thick, satiny perfection!

How to Make Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

Grab a medium saucepan and add in the crushed pineapple (juice included), rice vinegar, water, sugar, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. This colorful medley isn’t just pretty to look at—each element is essential for building the sweet, spicy, and tangy layers that define Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce. Stir everything together to get the party started.

Step 2: Simmer to Blend Flavors

Set the saucepan over medium heat and bring it all to a simmer. Give it an occasional gentle stir—you’ll see the sugar dissolve, the pineapple break down, and the whole kitchen fill with a mouthwatering aroma. Let this mix bubble away for 5 to 7 minutes, so the flavors have time to meld into a beautifully unified sauce.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

Now for the transformation step! Stir the cornstarch slurry (that’s just 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed into 2 tablespoons of water) right into the saucepan. Keep stirring as you watch the Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce turn glossy and lovely, thickening up in about 1 to 2 minutes. The result should coat the back of a spoon perfectly.

Step 4: Cool and Store

Remove your finished sauce from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes—it’ll thicken just a tad more as it sits. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can give the sauce a quick whirl in a blender. Serve immediately as a dip or drizzle, or pop it into a clean airtight jar and store in the fridge for up to a week.

How to Serve Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce

Garnishes

Take your Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce up a notch with simple, eye-catching garnishes! A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or toasted sesame seeds make every bite more inviting. Even a few extra chili flakes on top let guests know they’re in for a sweet-and-spicy treat.

Side Dishes

This sauce was made for dunking and drizzling! Serve it alongside crispy spring rolls, grilled chicken skewers, or coconut shrimp for an instant upgrade. Don’t overlook roasted veggies or a bowl of jasmine rice—a spoonful of Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce turns them into something special.

Creative Ways to Present

Get a little playful: use the sauce as a glaze for grilled salmon or tofu, turn it into an unconventional salad dressing, or swirl it into a grain bowl. For parties, pour it into little dipping bowls and add pineapple wedges for garnish—the colors practically sing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to one week. Pour any leftovers into a clean, airtight jar or container and make sure it’s tightly sealed to lock in that fresh, tropical goodness.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this sauce even longer, freezing is simple. Allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It’s good for up to three months! Just thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Reheating

To bring leftover Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce back to its best, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. If it thickens a little too much, whisk in a splash of water until it hits your preferred consistency.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just chop the fresh pineapple finely and include any juices released. The flavor will be a touch fresher and brighter, making your Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce even more special.

Is this sauce gluten free?

This recipe is gluten free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always check your labels if you’re serving someone with a gluten allergy.

How spicy is Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce?

It’s got a gentle warmth, but you can easily ramp up or tone down the heat. Just adjust the amount of red chili flakes to match your personal preference or the crowd you’re serving!

What if I want a perfectly smooth sauce?

No problem! After simmering, just blend the finished sauce until smooth using a standard or immersion blender. It creates a uniform texture that’s great for dipping and glazing.

Can I double (or halve) the recipe?

Go for it! Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce scales up or down perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a couple people, simply adjust the ingredient quantities and prepare as directed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to brighten up dinnertime or wow your friends at your next get-together, give this Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce a try. It’s sweet, zesty, and just a little bit fiery—a truly irresistible condiment you’ll want to make again and again. Go ahead, get creative, and let this sauce shine in your kitchen!

Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 1 1/2 cups 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

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Description

This Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, perfect for dipping spring rolls, chicken tenders, or shrimp. Easy to make and versatile, this homemade sauce elevates your dishes with a tropical twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
1/2 cup rice vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons honey

Additional Ingredients:

2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to heat preference)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine pineapple, rice vinegar, water, sugar, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Simmer.
Add Cornstarch Slurry: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened and glossy.
Cool and Serve: Remove from heat, cool slightly, and use immediately or store in the refrigerator.