INTRODUCTION
Sweet & Spicy Chili Sauce is a bright, tangy sauce that adds a kick to many meals. It blends pineapple juice, lime, rice vinegar, samba oelek, hoisin, honey, and fresh ginger for a sauce that is both sweet and hot. This sauce is a healthy choice to add flavor without heavy oils, and it is a lighter option for people who want bold taste with simple ingredients. If you like dipping or glazing, try it with dishes like Savor the Flavor chicken wontons in spicy chili sauce for a tasty pairing.
This article shows a clear method to make the sauce, ways to use it, and how to keep it fresh. It also covers healthier swaps for low carb or diabetic-friendly diets and ways to use the sauce for meal prep or as a low calorie flavor boost.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this Sweet & Spicy Chili Sauce because it is quick to make and very flexible. It takes about 20 minutes to reduce on the stove, so it is great for weeknight cooking. It is a great option for meal prep because you can make a batch and use it all week. The sauce adds bold taste to lean protein and veggies, helping you eat a balanced meal without extra calories.
This sauce works as a lighter option to heavy store-bought glazes. Use less honey or swap it for a sugar-free sweetener to make a diabetic-friendly or low carb version. It pairs well with high protein meals like grilled chicken or baked salmon, which makes it a smart choice for people focused on weight loss or simple healthy meals.
HOW TO MAKE Sweet & Spicy Chili Sauce
This sauce is simple. You only need one pan and basic tools. The steps are short and clear. Follow the ingredient list and simmer until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Grater for fresh ginger
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine mesh strainer (optional, to remove ginger bits)
- Heat-proof jar or airtight container for storage
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 Tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup samba oelek
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
In a saucepan, stir all the ingredients together and bring to a light boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered until reduced to where it coats the back of your spoon, about 20 minutes.
Remove from heat, let cool, then transfer to a glass jar or other airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
HOW TO SERVE Sweet & Spicy Chili Sauce
Serve this sauce warm or cool. It makes a good dip for fresh spring rolls, steamed dumplings, or grilled shrimp. Use it as a glaze on baked chicken breasts or roasted vegetables for a sweet and spicy finish. For portion control, spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons per serving to keep calories and sugar in check.
For a lighter option, add a small amount to a bowl of steamed broccoli and brown rice. This will give you a tasty, balanced plate with fiber from the rice and veggies, lean protein if you add chicken, and bright flavor from the sauce. For more ideas on balanced bowls, try pairing it with a simple chicken and sweet potato rice bowl like the chicken and sweet potato rice bowl for a full, healthy meal.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Sweet & Spicy Chili Sauce
Store the sauce in a clean glass jar or airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 2 weeks when refrigerated. If you want longer storage, freeze the sauce in ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop the cubes into a freezer bag and use within 3 months. Thaw cubes in the fridge or warm a cube in a small pan to glaze food.
When you store the sauce, leave a little headroom in the jar if the sauce is still warm. Cool it to room temperature first to avoid pressure build-up. Use clean spoons to remove portions to extend shelf life and avoid contamination.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- As a dip: 1–2 tablespoons per person with raw veggies, grilled shrimp, or wontons.
- As a glaze: Brush 1–2 tablespoons on chicken or fish in the last 5–10 minutes of cooking.
- On bowls: Drizzle 1 tablespoon over a grain bowl with chicken, sweet potato, greens, and avocado for a balanced, high protein meal.
- For salad: Mix a teaspoon or two with plain yogurt or light mayo for a low calorie, flavorful dressing.
Healthy side ideas: steamed greens, roasted cauliflower, or a side salad with a light vinaigrette. These sides add fiber and vitamins and help keep the meal lower in calories while adding balance.
VARIATIONS
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Healthier version:
- To make a healthier version, cut the honey in half and add 2 tablespoons of a no-calorie sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit to keep sweetness without sugar. Use low-sodium hoisin or half the hoisin and add extra lime juice for tang. This keeps flavor while lowering sugar and calories, making it more diabetic-friendly and better for weight loss plans.
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High-protein or low-carb version:
- Make a low carb version by replacing honey with a sugar-free sweetener and using a low-sugar hoisin or reduced amount. Use the sauce as a glaze on grilled chicken breasts, turkey meatballs, or pan-seared tofu to create a high protein meal. Serve with steamed broccoli or a green salad for a low calorie, high protein dish that supports weight loss and muscle repair.
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Air fryer or oven-baked version:
- Use the sauce as a glaze for air fryer wings, air fryer salmon, or oven-baked chicken thighs. Toss cooked wings or pieces of chicken with 2–3 tablespoons of warmed sauce and return to the air fryer or oven for 2–4 minutes to caramelize. This method makes a sticky, crisp finish without extra oil and pairs well with roasted vegetables for a heart healthy meal option.
FAQs
Q: Is this sauce diabetic-friendly?
A: The base recipe has honey and hoisin, which add sugar. You can make it diabetic-friendly by replacing honey with a sugar-free sweetener, using reduced-sugar hoisin, or cutting the sweetener in half. This lowers the glycemic load and keeps flavor.
Q: How long does the sauce last in the fridge?
A: In a clean glass jar, the sauce stays fresh for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Use clean utensils to scoop it out to keep it safe longer.
Q: Is this sauce low calorie?
A: The original has some calories from honey and hoisin. To make a lower calorie version, use less honey or a low-calorie sweetener and use smaller portions. A 1 tablespoon serving will cut calories more than larger spoonfuls.
Q: Can I freeze this sauce?
A: Yes. Freeze in small portions like ice cube trays. Once frozen, move cubes to a freezer bag. Thaw cubes in the fridge or melt gently on the stove for a quick glaze.
Q: Can this sauce be gluten free?
A: Hoisin sauce often has wheat, so use a gluten free hoisin or a mix of tamari (gluten free soy sauce) and a touch of sweetener to keep it gluten free. This makes the sauce safe for a gluten free diet.
Q: Is this sauce good for meal prep?
A: Yes. It stores well in the fridge and freezes in portions, so it is great for meal prep and quick weeknight meals.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Sweet & Spicy Chili Sauce
Make a double batch and keep one jar in the fridge for the week. Freeze extra in small portions so you can thaw only what you need. This sauce is great for meal prep because it adds big flavor to simple protein and veggie dishes, and it helps you keep food interesting when you plan meals ahead.
If you plan a meal prep session, warm a small jar of sauce to glaze a tray of roasted chicken or salmon at the end of the cook time. For a balanced bowl, toss a tablespoon with cooked sweet potatoes and grilled chicken. If you want ideas for bowls that pair well with this sauce, try a make-ahead bowl like the chicken sweet potato Buddha bowl as a base. That link shows how to build a filling bowl you can prep for busy days.
If you store the sauce in the fridge, label the jar with the date you made it. Use within two weeks for the best taste. For freezer storage, pop small portions into a zip bag and press out air. Freeze flat so you can break off a piece when you need it.
Sweet & Spicy Chili Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- In a saucepan, stir all the ingredients together and bring to a light boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered until reduced to where it coats the back of your spoon, about 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat, let cool, then transfer to a glass jar or other airtight container and store in the refrigerator.