Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce
Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce is a flavorful blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. This versatile sauce combines juicy pineapple with a kick of chili, making it perfect for dipping, glazing, or drizzling over your favorite dishes. Its balance of sweetness from the pineapple and heat from the chili creates a delightful contrast, enhancing everything from grilled meats to stir-fries. Simple to prepare, it brings a tropical twist to any meal, making it a must-have in your kitchen.
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh pineapple diced (or canned pineapple in juice, drained)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional for extra spice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- A pinch of salt to taste
Instructions
- Start by dicing the fresh pineapple into small pieces. If you're using canned pineapple, make sure to drain it well before dicing. Mince the garlic and ginger, and gather all other ingredients.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the diced pineapple, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Blend the mixture until smooth.
- Pour the blended mixture into a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the sauce to gently simmer. This should take about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add a pinch of salt to taste, and if you want more heat, sprinkle in some extra red pepper flakes. Remove it from the heat once the sauce reaches the right thickness and flavor balance.
- Allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Notes
For a chunkier sauce, leave small pineapple pieces, or blend for a smoother texture. The texture can be adapted based on what the sauce is used for.