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Sweet-Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe for Any Dish

Sweet-Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe for Any Dish

A glossy Thai-style sweet chili dipping sauce with a bright vinegar tang, fragrant garlic, gentle sweetness, and adjustable chile heat. Makes about 1 1/4 cups.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 1 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup Water
  • 1 cup Rice vinegar
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons Red pepper flakes
Cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
Cornstarch Slurry
  • 2 tablespoons Cold water

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Add the water, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to a small saucepan.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes so the vinegar mellows and the garlic and chile flavors infuse.
  4. In a small bowl, stir the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth and lump-free.
  5. Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, then cook for 1–2 minutes while stirring constantly until glossy and lightly thickened.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool for 15–20 minutes. It will thicken further as it cools, so do not cook it until it is very thick.
  7. Serve at room temperature or chilled with your favorite foods.

Notes

For a fresh-chile flavor, replace some or all of the red pepper flakes with 1–2 finely minced red Thai chiles or Fresno chiles, adjusting for their heat. Refrigerate cooled sauce in a clean, covered jar for up to about 2 weeks. If it becomes too thick, loosen it with 1–2 teaspoons of warm water.