Trader Joe’s Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

This sticky, glossy Trader Joes Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe is made with rice vinegar, sugar, and chili flakes and ready in 15 minutes. The magic happens when the cornstarch slurry hits the bubbling liquid, thickening it into a syrupy glaze that perfectly coats a spoon. I keep a jar of this in my fridge at all times for quick snacking.

What Makes This Version Different

I used to buy endless bottles of the store version until I realized how simple it is to boil at home. Making it yourself means you control the exact level of heat and sweetness to suit your family.

I quickly learned that adding the cornstarch slurry too early makes the sauce cloudy instead of clear. Now, I wait until the sugar is fully dissolved to get that signature glossy finish.

Trader Joes Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe Ingredients

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
• 1 tablespoon red chili flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water

How To Make Trader Joes Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

1. Combine the base: In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar, water, rice vinegar, garlic, chili flakes, and salt over medium heat.
2. Bring to a boil: Let the mixture come to a gentle rolling boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves into the liquid.
3. Add the slurry: Whisk the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl, then pour it into the boiling sauce.
4. Thicken the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the liquid transforms into a glossy, thick glaze.
5. Cool and store: Remove from heat and let it cool entirely at room temperature before transferring to a glass jar.

Recipe Tips

• Adjust the heat: Use less red chili flakes if you prefer a milder sauce, or add a dash of cayenne for extra punch.
• Mix the slurry well: Always use cold water for your cornstarch to prevent stubborn clumps from forming in the hot pan.
• Let it cool: The sauce will look slightly thin in the pan but thickens significantly as it drops to room temperature.

What To Serve With Sweet Chili Sauce

This sticky dip pairs perfectly with crispy spring rolls, crab rangoon, or crunchy coconut shrimp. It also works beautifully as a quick glaze for baked salmon or drizzled over a hot bowl of fried rice.

How To Store

Keep the cooled sauce in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. I do not recommend freezing this sauce, as the cornstarch can separate and ruin the texture when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, you can use monk fruit or erythritol blends. Just keep in mind that the final sauce might not look quite as glossy as the original.

Why did my sauce turn cloudy?
This usually happens if you boil the cornstarch too vigorously for too long. Simmer gently on low heat once the slurry is added.

Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check that your specific brand of rice vinegar is certified gluten-free to be safe.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh?
Fresh minced garlic provides the best authentic flavor and texture. However, half a teaspoon of garlic powder works fine in a pinch.

Nutrition

• Calories: 45 kcal
• Total Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 11 g
• Protein: 0 g

Try More Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Peanut Sauce Recipe
• Trader Joes Yuzu Hot Sauce Recipe
• Trader Joe’s Autumn Pasta Sauce Recipe

Trader Joes Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

Recipe by Nate Collins

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Total time

15

minutes

This glossy, sticky Trader Joes Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe uses fresh garlic, chili flakes, and rice vinegar, taking just 15 minutes to make. Perfect for easy appetizers, this homemade dip delivers the exact sweet heat you crave without leaving home.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic

• 1 tablespoon red chili flakes

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water

Directions

• 1. Combine the base: In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar, water, rice vinegar, garlic, chili flakes, and salt over medium heat.
• 2. Bring to a boil: Let the mixture come to a gentle rolling boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves into the liquid.
• 3. Add the slurry: Whisk the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl, then pour it into the boiling sauce.
• 4. Thicken the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the liquid transforms into a glossy, thick glaze.
• 5. Cool and store: Remove from heat and let it cool entirely at room temperature before transferring to a glass jar.