The Perfect Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce Recipe for Tangy Delights

Sweet chili pineapple sauce bursts with tropical vibrance and zesty complexity that elevates ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Bold flavors dance between tangy and spicy, creating a versatile condiment that electrifies taste buds instantly.

Bright yellow fruits blend seamlessly with fiery red peppers, generating an unexpected harmony of sensations.

Each ingredient contributes a unique dimension, balancing sweetness against subtle heat with remarkable precision.

Home cooks adore how this sauce elevates everything from grilled proteins to simple appetizers with minimal effort.

Simple pantry staples combine to produce something truly magical in mere minutes.

Professional chefs and kitchen novices alike can master this recipe with confidence and enthusiasm.

Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce Tips and Tricks

• Choose Ripe Pineapple: Select a fresh, golden-yellow pineapple with a sweet aroma for the most vibrant flavor in your sauce.
• Control Spice Levels: Adjust chili flakes according to your heat tolerance, starting with less and adding more gradually.
• Simmer Slowly: Maintain a gentle simmer to develop deep flavors and prevent burning the delicate ingredients.
• Cornstarch Technique: Mix cornstarch with cold water first to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy sauce texture.
• Storage Tip: Store the cooled sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

How to Store and Reheat Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover sauce to an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Freezing: Carefully pour cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining its delicious sweet and spicy profile.
• Reheating: Gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon of water to restore its original consistency. Avoid microwaving to prevent potential separation of ingredients.

Best Dishes to Serve with Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce

• Pair with Grilled Proteins: Match this sweet and spicy sauce with succulent grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, or shrimp for a flavor explosion that'll make taste buds dance.
• Complement with Tropical Cocktails: Serve alongside a refreshing mojito or piña colada to enhance the pineapple notes and balance the sauce's heat with cool, smooth drink undertones.
• Create a Stunning Rice Bowl: Drizzle the sauce over coconut rice with grilled vegetables, adding depth and excitement to a simple meal that pops with tropical vibes.
• Match with Crisp White Wines: Select a chilled Riesling or Gewürztraminer to cut through the sauce's sweetness and complement its spicy kick, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Flavor Variations for Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce

• Tropical Heat Blend: Swap chili flakes with fresh habanero peppers for an intense, fiery kick that complements the sweet pineapple base.
• Smoky Island Fusion: Incorporate a tablespoon of chipotle powder to add deep, smoky undertones that transform the sauce's flavor profile.
• Citrus Fire Infusion: Replace vinegar with fresh lime juice and add orange zest to brighten the sauce with zesty, tangy notes while maintaining the spicy character.
• Herbal Pineapple Splash: Mix in fresh chopped cilantro or mint during the final simmering stage to introduce a refreshing herbal dimension to the sweet chili sauce.

Why Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce Is a Flavor Bomb

• Burst with Tropical Flavor: This sweet chili pineapple sauce delivers an explosion of tangy, sweet, and spicy notes that transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise.
• Super Quick and Easy Preparation: With just 15 minutes of total cooking time, this sauce comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: Drizzle over grilled meats, use as a dipping sauce, or mix into stir-fries – this sauce elevates any dish with its vibrant, complex flavor profile that balances sweet pineapple, zesty ginger, and spicy chili flakes.
• Homemade Goodness with Clean Ingredients: Skip store-bought sauces and enjoy a fresh, preservative-free condiment made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you can pronounce and feel good about eating.

Ingredients for Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce

• Pineapple: Fresh and sweet fruit that forms the core flavor of the sauce, preferably ripe and juicy for maximum sweetness.
• Water: Helps create the right consistency and aids in sauce development.

• Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and helps balance the sweetness.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that provides depth and smooth sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: Introduces umami and saltiness to the sauce.
• Ginger: Provides warm, spicy undertone with subtle heat.
• Garlic: Offers aromatic depth and savory complexity.

• Cornstarch: Key thickening agent that gives the sauce its glossy, smooth texture.
• Chili Flakes: Brings gentle heat and red color to the sauce.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all other flavor profiles.

How to Make Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce

Step 1: Combine Initial Ingredients

• Pineapple
• Vinegar
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Ginger
• Garlic

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 2: Slow Cook Sauce

Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing pineapple to become tender.

Step 3: Create Cornstarch Slurry

In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with of water. Stir until completely dissolved.

Step 4: Thicken Sauce

Pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce. Stir continuously.

Step 5: Add Final Seasonings

• Chili flakes
• Salt

Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes until sauce reaches desired thickness.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove sauce from heat. Let it cool, noting that the sauce will continue to thicken as it reaches room temperature.

Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce brings tropical heat to your culinary adventure. Pineapple’s natural sweetness mingles with spicy chili, creating a perfect balance that elevates grilled meats, seafood, and vegetable dishes in one delicious drizzle.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits and Sweet Base:

• 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely chopped
• ¼ cup honey

Liquids and Seasonings:

• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch)

Aromatics and Thickeners:

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Gather fresh pineapple chunks, water, white vinegar, honey, soy sauce, minced ginger, and minced garlic in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, stirring occasionally to blend flavors and prevent sticking, until pineapple becomes soft and slightly translucent (approximately 10 minutes).
3. In a separate small mixing bowl, create a cornstarch slurry by thoroughly dissolving cornstarch with of cool water, whisking until completely smooth.
4. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and ensure even thickening.
5. Sprinkle red chili flakes and fine sea salt into the sauce, maintaining a gentle simmer to activate spices and develop depth of flavor.
6. Continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes, watching the consistency transform from liquid to a glossy, slightly thickened sauce.
7. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sweet chili pineapple sauce rest at room temperature, allowing natural cooling to further enhance its texture and concentrate flavors.
8. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, reaching an ideal serving consistency within 15-20 minutes.

Notes

• Sweet and spicy sauce perfect for dipping, glazing, or marinading various proteins and vegetables.
• Easily customizable heat level by adjusting chili flake quantity to personal preference.
• Preparation takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and versatile condiment.
• Cornstarch slurry helps create a smooth, glossy texture while thickening the sauce naturally.
• Fresh ingredients like ginger and garlic provide depth and complex flavor profile beyond basic sweet chili sauce.
• Stores well in refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container, allowing for multiple uses.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 85 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg