Description
This vibrant Pineapple Chili Sauce combines sweet pineapple with spicy chili flakes to create a perfect balance of flavors. Ideal as a dipping sauce, marinade, or glaze, this quick and easy recipe is cooked on the stovetop to meld the ingredients into a smooth, tangy condiment.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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 chili flakes (adjust for spice level)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon ginger, grated
- Pinch of salt
Thickening Agent
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the pineapple chunks, water, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, chili flakes, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the pineapple to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Blend the Sauce: Remove the mixture from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Thicken the Sauce: Return the pureed sauce to the saucepan and place over medium heat. Stir the cornstarch mixture to recombine and slowly pour it into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Cool and Store: Remove the sauce from heat and allow it to cool. Transfer to a clean jar or container and refrigerate. The sauce will thicken further as it cools and can be stored for up to two weeks.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Fresh pineapple gives a more vibrant flavor, but canned pineapple works well in a pinch.
- For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- This sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, stir-fries, or as a dipping sauce for spring rolls.
- If the sauce becomes too thick in the fridge, stir in a little water to loosen it before use.
