If you love a sauce that bursts with sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors all at once, you are going to adore this Pineapple Chili Sauce Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of juicy pineapple sweetness with a kick of chili heat and a touch of savory garlic and ginger that dances on your tongue. Whether you’re dipping crispy spring rolls, glazing grilled chicken, or adding a vibrant pop to your roasted veggies, this sauce elevates any dish with its luscious texture and vibrant color. Plus, it’s so simple and quick to whip up, you’ll be making it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing a unique flavor or texture that makes this Pineapple Chili Sauce Recipe shine. From the lush sweetness of pineapple to the bright tang of rice vinegar and the warming heat from chili flakes, every component plays a vital role in this tasty concoction.
- 1 ½ cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned): The juicy foundation that gives natural sweetness and tropical freshness.
- ½ cup water: Helps to blend the pineapple smoothly and adjust the sauce’s consistency.
- ¼ cup rice vinegar: Adds a mild acidity that balances out the sweetness and brightens the sauce.
- ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup): Sweetens the sauce naturally and gives it a glossy finish.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings a savory depth and a hint of umami.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water): The magic thickener that transforms the sauce into a perfect glaze.
- 1 tablespoon chili flakes (adjust for spice level): The fiery punch that awakens your taste buds.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds a robust aromatic quality to the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon ginger, grated: Provides warmth and a slightly peppery zing.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors harmoniously.
How to Make Pineapple Chili Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Pineapple Base
Start by placing the pineapple chunks, water, rice vinegar, and honey into a blender. Puree everything until the mixture is smooth and silky. This fresh base is where all those incredible pineapple flavors start to meld beautifully with the tangy and sweet notes.
Step 2: Cook the Sauce
Pour the blended pineapple mixture into a saucepan over medium heat. Add in the soy sauce, chili flakes, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together well and bring it to a gentle simmer, letting those bold flavors combine and develop.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then slowly drizzle it into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency—a luscious glaze that clings beautifully to whatever you pour it over.
Step 4: Cool & Store
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the sauce to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it into a clean jar or container and store it in the refrigerator. This sauce stays fresh and flavorful for up to one week, making it perfect for prepping ahead.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Now comes the best part: using your Pineapple Chili Sauce! Drizzle it over grilled meats or seafood, use it as a vibrant dipping sauce for appetizers, or mix it into stir-fries and roasted vegetables for an instant flavor boost.
How to Serve Pineapple Chili Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance your Pineapple Chili Sauce experience, try garnishing with fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or toasted sesame seeds. These add a pop of color and layers of flavor that complement the sauce’s sweet and spicy profile beautifully.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides like steamed jasmine rice, crunchy cucumber salad, or roasted sweet potatoes. The mildly sweet and spicy notes bring out the best in familiar dishes and make every bite exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Pineapple Chili Sauce in small bowls alongside an assortment of appetizers like spring rolls, shrimp skewers, or crispy tofu bites. You can also use it as a glaze brushed over grilled pineapple rings or mixed directly into a salad dressing for a tropical twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Pineapple Chili Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, making it easy to add flavor to meals throughout the week without extra effort.
Freezing
If you want to keep the sauce even longer, freezing is a great option. Portion it into an ice cube tray or small containers for easy simmering down later. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and stir before reheating to recapture that perfect texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your sauce, gently warm it over low heat on the stove. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and bring it back to a silky consistency. Avoid boiling to preserve those fresh, vibrant flavors you worked hard to create.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple for this Pineapple Chili Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh or canned pineapple both work beautifully. Just be sure to drain canned pineapple well if it’s packed in syrup to avoid making the sauce too sweet.
How spicy is this sauce? Can I adjust the heat?
The chili flakes add a pleasant, medium heat, but you can easily adjust by adding more or less depending on your spice preference. For a milder sauce, reduce the chili flakes or omit entirely.
Is this sauce suitable for vegans?
Yes, it is! Just be sure to use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it completely vegan-friendly. All other ingredients are plant-based and natural.
Can I use this sauce as a marinade?
Definitely! It works wonderfully as a marinade for chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even vegetables, infusing them with a delicious sweet and spicy flavor that caramelizes beautifully when cooked.
How thick should the sauce be?
The ideal consistency is thick enough to coat a spoon lightly but still pourable. If it becomes too thick, simply stir in a bit more water until it reaches the perfect texture for your needs.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Pineapple Chili Sauce Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a fresh, vibrant, and slightly spicy kick to their cooking. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and so delicious that it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again to brighten up meals and impress your friends!
Print
Pineapple Chili Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup (about 1 serving)
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Pineapple Chili Sauce is a vibrant, sweet-spicy condiment that combines fresh pineapple with chili flakes and aromatic garlic and ginger. Perfect as a dipping sauce, glaze, or marinade, it adds a delightful tropical kick to chicken, shrimp, tofu, or roasted vegetables. Ready in just 15 minutes, this sauce balances sweetness with heat and a tangy vinegar bite.
Ingredients
Fruit Base
- 1 ½ cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- ½ cup water
Liquids & Sweeteners
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Thickening Agent
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
Spices & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon chili flakes (adjust for spice level)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon ginger, grated
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Blend the Pineapple Base: In a blender, combine pineapple chunks, water, rice vinegar, and honey. Puree until the mixture is completely smooth, forming the flavorful base of the sauce.
- Cook the Sauce: Pour the blended pineapple mixture into a saucepan set over medium heat. Add soy sauce, chili flakes, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly stir this slurry into the simmering sauce, continuously stirring until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Cool & Store: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool completely. Transfer the cooled sauce to a jar and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to one week.
- Serve & Enjoy: Use this versatile Pineapple Chili Sauce as a delicious dipping sauce, glaze, or marinade for chicken, shrimp, tofu, or roasted vegetables to add a sweet and spicy tropical flavor.
Notes
- Adjust chili flakes according to your spice preference.
- Use fresh pineapple for a brighter flavor or canned pineapple for convenience.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- The sauce thickens as it cools; add more cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker consistency.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
