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 4 Hours Or Less Comfort Food Main Ingredient

13 Crackers Meatloaf

This award-winning meatloaf recipe is a family favorite, perfected over years of experimentation! Say goodbye to bland meatloaf and hello to juicy, flavorful perfection. The secret? Chili sauce instead of ketchup, and a delightful crunch from 13 savory crackers. This recipe is perfect for two, but easily doubles for a larger crowd. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Spreads American Appetizers Cuisine

5 Layer Seafood Appetizer

Wow your guests with this stunning 5-layer seafood appetizer! Perfect for cocktail parties or game day gatherings, this recipe features fresh shrimp or crab (your choice!) layered with vibrant flavors and textures. Prepare each layer ahead of time for easy assembly – ideal for busy schedules. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Egg Free Vegan African Cuisine

African Yam Stew

This vibrant and flavorful African Yam Stew is a complete meal in itself! Simple to make, yet bursting with healthy ingredients, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender yams, hearty chickpeas, and fragrant spices combine to create a satisfying and nutritious stew. Enjoy it as is, or serve with pita bread or a dollop of yogurt for extra creaminess. Get ready to savor the delicious leftovers!

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Jewish Ashkenazi Meat Beef Occasion

Always Perfect Sweet And Sour Meatballs

Rescue your next dinner emergency with this incredibly versatile sweet and sour meatballs recipe! Perfect for unexpected guests, picky eaters, or even a family-wide hunger strike, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. So popular, it's often requested by out-of-town visitors and even requested as a wedding gift (alongside a traditional one, of course!). Easily doubled, tripled, or frozen for later, this recipe is endlessly adaptable – explore the variations below! From simple weeknight dinners to impressive gatherings, these meatballs are your new go-to.

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4 Hours Or Less Main Ingredient American North American

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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Preparation Main Ingredient Course Brown Bag

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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Main Ingredient Cuisine Main Dish Course

Asian Style Ground Chicken And Noodles

This vibrant Asian-inspired noodle dish is ready in under 40 minutes! Tender ground chicken (or turkey!) is stir-fried with colorful veggies and tossed in a savory, tangy sauce. A quick and easy weeknight meal the whole family will love. Adapted from Ilanna Simon's "125 Best Ground Meat Recipes."

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Ground Beef Potluck Eggs Dairy Beef

Aunt Jenny's Slow Cooker Meatballs

These melt-in-your-mouth meatballs, adapted from a beloved Johnson family recipe (featured on the Baptist Church website!), are slow-cooked to perfection in your favorite slow cooker. Enjoy 3 tender meatballs drenched in 2 tablespoons of rich, savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting Sunday supper. Get ready for flavor explosions!

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Course Cuisine American Time To Make

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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Tropical Fruit Main Dish Time To Make Pineapple

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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Main Dish Poultry Lunch Beginner Cook

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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Preparation Seafood Novelty 5 Ingredients Or Less

Bang Bang Shrimp Copycat From Bonefish Grill

Recreate the addictive Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp at home! This copycat recipe delivers the same crispy, spicy, and creamy deliciousness you crave. Perfect as an appetizer or a light lunch served over a salad, this recipe is quick, easy, and unbelievably satisfying. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Chicken Breasts Chicken Breasts Occasion Preparation

Bangkok Style Chicken Pad Thai

Relive the vibrant flavors of 1960s Bangkok with this authentic Pad Thai recipe, straight from my grandmother's treasured recipe box! This dish, inspired by the Thai Room of the legendary Plaza Hotel, boasts tender chicken, perfectly balanced savory-sweet sauce, and a delightful crunch. Get ready for a culinary journey back in time!

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North American Inexpensive Low In Something 4 Hours Or Less

Barbecue Pit Bbq Beans

These award-winning BBQ beans are bursting with smoky flavor and a touch of spicy kick! Perfect for potlucks, game day, or a weeknight family meal, even picky eaters will love them. This easy recipe simmers to perfection in your slow cooker or oven, resulting in tender beans with a rich, tangy barbecue sauce. Get ready for rave reviews!

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One Dish Meal Course Preparation Savory Pies

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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Pork Course Preparation Pork Ribs

Barbecued Ribs

Prepare for an unforgettable flavor explosion! These fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs are worth every minute of the 5-hour cook time. Tender, juicy, and bursting with smoky sweetness, they're guaranteed to be the star of your next gathering. This recipe delivers the ultimate BBQ experience, perfect for impressing friends and family.

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Time To Make Course Preparation Dietary

Bbq Pork Shoulder

Experience the legendary taste of Kansas City BBQ with this mouthwatering pork shoulder recipe! Slow-cooked to perfection, this fall-apart tender masterpiece boasts an unforgettable smoky flavor. Plan ahead for a 16-hour cooking journey (plus overnight marinades!), but trust us – the incredible results are worth every minute. Prepare for rave reviews! This recipe delivers an authentic Kansas City BBQ experience you won't soon forget. Impress your friends and family with this showstopper.

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30 Minutes Or Less Lunch Side Dishes Southern United States

Beer Battered Onion Rings W Cajun Dipping Sauce

Crispy, golden beer-battered onion rings, perfectly complemented by a zesty Cajun dipping sauce! This recipe, inspired by a Bisquick cookbook, is a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to satisfy your onion ring cravings. Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience!

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