This homemade sweet and spicy Pineapple Chili Sauce is perfect for dipping, drizzling, or marinating. It combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with a fiery chili kick, making it a must-try for adding bold flavors to your meals. Whether you use it as a dip for spring rolls, a glaze for grilled meats, or a marinade for tofu, this sauce brings the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Spicy Balance – A perfect blend of tropical pineapple and fiery chili.
- Versatile – Works as a dip, glaze, or marinade.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the spice to suit your taste.
- Homemade Goodness – No preservatives, just fresh, bold flavors.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 ½ cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
- 1 tablespoon chili flakes (adjust for spice level)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon ginger, grated
- Pinch of salt
Directions
Blend Pineapple Base:
- In a blender, puree pineapple chunks, water, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth.
Cook the Sauce:
- Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add soy sauce, chili flakes, garlic, ginger, and salt. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Thicken the Sauce:
- Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then slowly pour it into the saucepan.
- Stir continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Cool & Store:
- Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to a jar.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Use as a dipping sauce, glaze, or marinade for chicken, shrimp, tofu, or roasted veggies!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 35 kcal per serving
Variations
- Milder Sauce: Reduce the amount of chili flakes for a gentler heat.
- Extra Spicy: Add a chopped fresh chili or a dash of hot sauce.
- Citrus Twist: Add a squeeze of lime juice for extra tanginess.
- Ginger Boost: Increase the amount of grated ginger for a deeper, spiced flavor.
- Thicker Consistency: Let the sauce simmer longer after adding cornstarch for a thicker glaze.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze in small portions for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before using.
- Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen pineapple?
Yes! Just thaw it before blending for a smoother consistency.
2. Is there a substitute for rice vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar works well as alternatives.
3. Can I make this sauce sugar-free?
Yes, replace honey/maple syrup with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia.
4. What dishes pair well with this sauce?
It’s great with grilled meats, seafood, roasted vegetables, and even drizzled over rice.
5. Can I skip the cornstarch?
The sauce will be thinner without it, but you can use arrowroot powder as a substitute.
6. How do I make this sauce thicker?
Let it simmer longer or add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
7. Does this sauce taste very spicy?
It has a medium spice level, but you can adjust the chili flakes to your preference.
8. Can I use this sauce for stir-frying?
Absolutely! It makes a great stir-fry sauce for vegetables and protein.
9. How do I store leftovers?
Keep in the fridge in a sealed container and use within a week.
10. Can I make a large batch and store it?
Yes! Double the ingredients and store in portions for later use.
Conclusion
This Pineapple Chili Sauce is a must-have condiment for adding a sweet and spicy touch to any dish. Whether you’re using it for dipping, glazing, or marinating, its tropical flavor and fiery kick will elevate your meals. Try it today and enjoy a homemade sauce that’s bursting with bold flavors!
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Pineapple Chili Sauce
This Pineapple Chili Sauce is a sweet and spicy homemade condiment that’s perfect for dipping, glazing, or marinating. With tropical pineapple, fiery chili, and savory soy sauce, this easy 15-minute sauce adds bold flavors to grilled meats, seafood, tofu, and veggies. No preservatives, just fresh, homemade goodness!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 ½ cups
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
- 1 tablespoon chili flakes (adjust for spice level)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon ginger, grated
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Blend the Pineapple Base:
- In a blender, puree pineapple chunks, water, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth.
2. Cook the Sauce:
- Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add soy sauce, chili flakes, garlic, ginger, and salt.
- Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Thicken the Sauce:
- Mix cornstarch with water and slowly stir it into the saucepan.
- Stir continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Cool & Store:
- Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to a jar.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Use as a dipping sauce, glaze, or marinade for chicken, shrimp, tofu, or roasted veggies!
Notes
- Milder Sauce: Reduce chili flakes for less heat.
- Extra Spicy: Add fresh chopped chili or hot sauce.
- Citrus Twist: Squeeze in lime juice for extra tanginess.
- Thicker Consistency: Simmer longer after adding cornstarch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauces & Dips
- Method: Blending, Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Tropical
- Diet: Gluten Free
