Condiment,Sauce | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free

Chili Sauce

N/A (Prepared condiment) Allergen-Free
chili sauce

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Solanaceae
  • Primary Cuisine East Asian,American
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Chili peppers, Sugar, Vinegar

The Forktionary Angle

"The universal flavor enhancer, capable of adding complexity and heat to anything from appetizers to main courses."

Definition

A versatile condiment made from chili peppers, vinegar, sugar, and spices, offering a balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Sensory Profile

TasteSpicy,Sweet,Tangy,Umami,Garlicky
TextureThick,Smooth,Viscous,Slightly Chunky (some varieties)
AromaPungent,Garlicky,Spicy,Vinegary,Sweet
AcidityMedium

Technical Metrics

Flavor Profile

The balance of sweet, sour, and spicy notes makes chili sauce incredibly adaptable to various culinary applications.

Storage Guide

Refrigerate after opening to maintain freshness and flavor. Typically lasts several months in the refrigerator.

Usage Tip

Excellent as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, and grilled meats, or whisked into marinades and dressings.

Nutrition Facts

Per 15g (1 tbsp)
Calories150 kcal
Total Fat0.2 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0.5 g
Total Carbohydrate38 g
Dietary Fiber1 g
Total Sugars35 g
Calcium10 mg
Iron0.3 mg
Potassium50 mg

Chef’s Secret

For a richer flavor, simmer chili sauce gently with a touch of ginger and soy sauce.

Substitutions

Best Match

Sriracha

1:1 (adjust for heat)

Similar heat and garlicky profile, but often less sweet and more pungent; good for spice.

Ketchup + Hot Sauce

2 parts ketchup : 1 part hot sauce

Mimics the sweet, tangy, and spicy elements, adjustable to taste.

Tomato Paste + Cayenne Pepper + Vinegar

Varies

Homemade option for a thicker, spicier sauce, allows for full control of ingredients.

Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste)

1:1 (adjust for heat/fermented taste)

Offers a fermented, savory, and spicy flavor, but is often thicker and less sweet.

Buying Guide

Check the label for desired heat level and sweetness. Brands vary significantly.

Flavor Pairings

Stir-fries Spring Rolls Grilled Meats Eggs Noodles Burgers Marinades.

Recipes Using Chili Sauce

Beef 3 Steps Or Less Meat Low In Something

A Different Roast Beef Sandwich

This quick and easy roast beef sandwich recipe is perfect for a game day snack or a satisfying lunch. Elevate your classic roast beef sandwich with a flavorful spread and fresh toppings. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this surprisingly delicious and easy-to-make recipe! Enjoy with cold beer and your favorite sports game!

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High Calcium Peppers Lunch Southern United States

A Lulu Of A Wrap

Spice up your lunch with this vibrant and flavorful wrap! Lulu's (or maybe Uncle Lawrence's?) secret spicy veggie and cheddar filling makes this recipe a family favorite. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying and exciting meal. Get ready to experience a culinary adventure in just 10 minutes!

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Healthy Occasion Cuisine Course

Almost Boston Baked Beans

These Almost Boston Baked Beans aren't strictly traditional, but they're incredibly close and bursting with flavor! Using dried beans ensures a depth of taste you won't find anywhere else. While cooking time varies depending on your beans, the long simmer creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that only gets better as it sits. This recipe, adapted from Fine Cooking magazine, is a must-try for bean lovers and anyone seeking a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a cozy night in or a weekend gathering.

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Meat Main Ingredient Cuisine Oven

Ann Lander's Meatloaf

This classic meatloaf recipe, adapted over generations, delivers juicy, flavorful perfection! A comforting dish with a hint of nostalgia, it's easy to customize to your liking – add or omit the chili sauce topping as desired. A taste of family tradition, enjoy this beloved recipe (originally featuring tomato sauce instead of chili!).

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Appetizers Equipment Appetizers Meat

Appetizer Meatballs

These irresistible slow cooker meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! This classic recipe is easy to double or triple for potlucks, parties, or family gatherings. Tender meatballs simmer in a sweet and spicy jelly and chili sauce – they're so good, they'll disappear in minutes! Perfect for game day, holidays, or any occasion.

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Time To Make Fruit Turkey 60 Minutes Or Less

Apple Turkey Burgers

Juicy turkey burgers get a sweet and savory twist with this amazing recipe! Sweet apple jelly and spicy chili sauce combine for an unforgettable topping. These easy-to-make burgers are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend cookout.

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Sandwiches Taste Mood Course Preparation

Arm Roast Sloppy Joes

Elevate your BBQ game with these incredible Arm Roast Sloppy Joes! Forget dry, boring pulled pork – this recipe uses a tender arm roast for unbelievably juicy, flavorful slow-cooked beef. Sweet and tangy, with a hint of smoky depth, this crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect piled high on toasted buns or as a unique baked potato topping. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Time To Make Ground Beef Main Dish Oven

Bacon Topped Meatloaf

This juicy, bacon-topped meatloaf recipe is a family classic! Perfectly seasoned ground beef baked to perfection and topped with crispy bacon. Easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Appetizers Time To Make Easy 4 Hours Or Less

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnut

Crispy bacon-wrapped water chestnuts tossed in a sweet and spicy chili glaze – the perfect addictive appetizer! This easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties or a fun weeknight snack. Get ready for flavor explosions in every bite!

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Meat Occasion Main Dish Main Ingredient

Bahama Mama Pork Chops Or Chicken

Escape to the tropics with this vibrant Bahama Mama Pork Chops or Chicken recipe! Juicy pork chops or chicken are simmered in a sweet and spicy pineapple sauce with a hint of cinnamon, creating a flavor explosion that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This Christine Johnson Allrecipes favorite is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Equipment Preparation Low Carb Easy

Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Crispy, juicy baked chicken drumsticks – a family-friendly recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner! This recipe, adapted from a kids' cookbook, is easy to follow and yields delicious results. Get ready for golden-brown, flavorful chicken that's sure to be a hit with everyone.

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Australian Time To Make Taste Mood Weeknight

Baked Garlic Quail

These succulent baked garlic quail are a flavor explosion! Perfectly crispy skin and tender, juicy meat make them an unforgettable meal. Easy to prepare (including overnight marinating), they're ideal for a special dinner or a satisfying weeknight treat. Get ready to lick your fingers!

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Equipment Main Ingredient Seasonal Beef

Balsamic And Garlic Marinated Steak

Elevate your grilling game with this mouthwatering Balsamic Garlic Marinated Steak recipe! A perfectly seared exterior gives way to a juicy, tender interior, bursting with flavor. Marinate your steak overnight for maximum taste, then grill to perfection. Save time by grilling potatoes or vegetables alongside your steak for a complete meal. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend feast.

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60 Minutes Or Less Beef 60 Minutes Or Less Barbecue

Barbecue Hamburger Patties

These juicy, flavorful barbecue hamburger patties are perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping! This adaptable recipe makes delicious patties that can be enjoyed immediately or frozen for easy 'once a month cooking' (OAMC). Get ready for tender, BBQ-glazed patties bursting with flavor.

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Time To Make Snacks Time To Make Lunch

Barbecue Popcorn

Sweet and smoky BBQ flavor explodes in every kernel! This ridiculously easy 5-minute recipe transforms plain popcorn into a craveable snack. Perfect for movie nights, parties, or a quick and satisfying treat.

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Time To Make Meat Main Dish Main Ingredient

Barbecued Chicken Pot Pie From Cooking Light

Spice up your dinner routine with this unique Barbecued Chicken Pot Pie! Tender shredded chicken, sweet and spicy BBQ sauce with a hint of dark chocolate, all nestled under a golden-brown cornbread lattice crust. This recipe is surprisingly easy and delivers incredible flavor – a true crowd-pleaser!

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Time To Make Main Dish Time To Make Pasta

Beef Tip With Mushroom Noodle Casserole

This savory Beef Tip Mushroom Noodle Casserole is a family-friendly weeknight winner! A quick and easy recipe, perfected over time, this dish boasts tender beef tips, earthy mushrooms, and creamy noodles in a rich and flavorful sauce. Zwt16 2nd place finish!

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Preparation Technique Chicken Breasts Preparation

Best Ever Bbq Chicken

Get ready to be amazed! This recipe for juicy, grilled BBQ chicken boasts an unforgettable, out-of-this-world BBQ sauce. Perfect for summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings, this crowd-pleaser is a family favorite. We use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for maximum flavor, slow-cooked on the grill to tender perfection. Double the sauce recipe for extra dipping – you won't want to miss a drop!

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