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

North American Spreads Cheese Southern United States

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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Dietary Course Beans Main Dish

Aduki Bean Stew

Warm up with this comforting and flavorful Aduki Bean Stew! This adapted recipe boasts a rich blend of earthy vegetables and hearty aduki beans, simmered to perfection in a savory broth. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal. Let us know how yours turns out!

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Course Lunch Time To Make Crab

Alan Nowell And Paula Deen Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes Sandwiches

Indulge in the decadent flavors of Alan Nowell's Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, as seen on Paula Deen's Best Dishes! This recipe recreates the Food Network sensation, delivering juicy crab cakes with a perfectly crispy exterior. Get ready for a taste of coastal luxury – easy enough for a weeknight meal, yet elegant enough for a special occasion.

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Passover Time To Make Preparation Ground Beef

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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Eggs Dairy Seafood Main Ingredient Eggs Dairy

Amazing Shrimp Dip

This incredible shrimp dip recipe, passed down to me by my friend Larry 20 years ago, is a crowd-pleaser! It's so easy to make and the flavors deepen overnight, creating a truly unforgettable appetizer. Get ready for rave reviews – this dip is guaranteed to disappear fast!

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Healthy 2 30 Minutes Or Less Preparation Spicy

Angry Edamame

Spicy, savory, and unbelievably addictive! This Angry Edamame recipe delivers a fiery kick with a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 30 minutes!

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Course 3 Steps Or Less Chili Crock Pot Slow Cooker

Asian Inspired Chili

Spice up your chili game with this Asian-inspired twist! Developed over years to perfectly utilize hoisin sauce, this recipe delivers a rich, thick chili brimming with umami. Perfect for a cozy night in, it's easily adaptable to your slow cooker – simply toss everything in and cook on low for 6 hours. Prefer a thinner chili? No problem! Just add water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Get ready for a flavor adventure!

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Preparation Chicken Course Asian

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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4 Hours Or Less Preparation Course Easy

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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Preparation Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Stove Top

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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Snacks Low In Something Preparation Chicken Thighs Legs

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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Beef Barbecue Dinner Party Summer

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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Appetizers Low Carb Inexpensive Main Dish

Bang Bang Shrimp

Recreate Bonefish Grill's famous Bang Bang Shrimp at home! This recipe delivers the same crispy, spicy, and sweet explosion of flavor you love, with easy-to-follow instructions. Get ready for a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly simple to make.

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Main Dish Meat Ground Beef Time To Make

Barbara's Meatloaf

This recipe, a treasured family heirloom passed down from Mom to her son in Australia, delivers a juicy, flavorful meatloaf perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Barbara's secret? A touch of brown sugar and chili sauce glaze that takes this classic dish to the next level! Easily adaptable for individual loaves or a larger family-sized one. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Meat Pork Cuisine Grilling

Barbecued Pork Chops

Fall-off-the-bone tender and bursting with smoky BBQ flavor, these barbecued pork chops are a crowd-pleaser! Slow-baked to perfection in a rich and tangy sauce, they're incredibly juicy and delicious. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.

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Low Cholesterol Beef Healthy 2 Pasta Rice And Grains

Beef Barley Skillet

This hearty Beef Barley Skillet is a complete one-pan meal, perfect for busy weeknights! Tender beef, chewy barley, and flavorful vegetables simmer together for a satisfying and delicious dinner that's ready in under an hour. Easy to make and even easier to clean up!

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North American Preparation Onions Time To Make

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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Equipment Egg Free Easy Preparation

Marmalade Glazed Pork Chops

Quick & easy pan-fried pork chops with a burst of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavor! This recipe uses a vibrant orange marmalade glaze with chili sauce and mustard for a truly unforgettable taste. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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