Oh My Food Recipes

  • Homepage
  • Shop
  • About me
  • Recipes
  • Recipes by Category
  • Subscribe Now
  • Contact Me
  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Homepage
  • Shop
  • About me
  • Recipes
  • Recipes by Category
  • Subscribe Now
  • Contact Me
  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Sauce » Thai Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

    Thai Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

    Modified: Jul 2, 2023 Published: Sep 27, 2019 by Tracy O. This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Flavorful homemade Asian sweet chili Thai sauce is sweet and spicy. Also, it has a beautiful bright red color. It's great for deep-frying wonton, tofu, egg rolls and Vietnamese spring rolls as a dipping sauce. It is a little different from sweet and sour sauce. Besides, this Thai sweet chili sauce recipe is great to make Thai chicken pizza. Let's learn how to make homemade Thai sweet chili sauce with step by step photos and a video!

    Like sauce? Check out these homemade garlic chili sauce, sweet and sour sauce, teriyaki sauce, black pepper sauce, chili oil, XO sauce and ginger scallion sauce recipes.

    homemade sweet chili Thai sauce dripping from the spoon

    What is Thai sweet chili sauce (nam chim kai)?

    Sweet Thai chili sauce known as nam chim kai in Thailand. "Nam Chim" translates to "dipping sauce" in Thai, and "kai" means "chicken." Therefore, it is usually called Thai chicken dipping sauce or Thai sweet chili sauce. Also, it is a popular condiment and originated in Thailand.

    It is widely used in Thai cuisine. Not only is it popular and common in Thai cuisines, but also around South East Asian and Western because the sauce is versatile. It tastes sweet, tangy and slightly spicy. Typically, the sauce contains red chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. Then, blend the ingredients together to create a smooth and thick sauce.

    A well-known Mae ploy brand Thai sweet chili sauce can be found in most Asian and regular grocery stores. It is sold in bottles and can be stored at room temperature until opened. Once opened, it is best to refrigerate the sauce to maintain its quality and prolong its shelf life.

    How do I use sweet Thai chili sauce?

    Sweet Thai chili sauce is often used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, deep fried wonton, lettuce wrap dishes, chicken wings, and fried foods. Besides, it can also be used as a glaze for grilled or roasted meats to enhance flavors for stir fry and noodle dishes. The sauce balances sweetness and spiciness, therefore; it makes it a popular choice for a wide range of dishes. Personally, I love to use it for Thai chicken pizza as well.

    Why homemade sweet Thai chili sauce (nam chim kai )? 

    It is easy to make at home and takes a few minutes to put ingredients together. Also, you can find everything you need in your pantry or at your local supermarket. Homemade sweet Thai chili sauce is good because you can control the ingredients and the amount of sweetness and heat. 

    What does sweet Thai chili sauce taste like?

    Sweet Thai chili sauce has a distinct flavor that combines the sweetness, tanginess, and a mild spiciness. The taste can vary slightly depending on the brand or homemade recipe. However, in general, it offers sweetness, tanginess and spiciness.

    The sweetness is from the sugar. This helps balance the spiciness and tanginess of the sauce. Besides, it has a tangy flavor that comes from ingredients like vinegar. This tanginess adds a refreshing element to the overall taste. In addition, it's mild to moderate spiciness. The level of heat can vary depending on the type and quantity of chili peppers used. It provides a subtle kick and adds depth to the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.

    Storage suggestions for homemade Thai sweet chili sauce: 

    To store homemade sweet Thai chili sauce, first allow the sauce to cool completely at room temperature before storing it. Then, pour the sauce into clean, sterilized and airtight containers like glass jars or bottles with tight-fitting lids. Avoid using containers made of metal materials, it may affect the taste and quality of the sauce.

    After that, store and label the sauce in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and quality. The cold temperature helps inhibit bacterial growth and preserves the flavors. It is recommended to consume the sauce within 2 to 4 weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as mold growth, off odors, or changes in color or texture, please discard the sauce. Some like to freeze the sauce and heat it up in a saucepan when needed. 

    What are the ingredients for homemade Thai sweet chili sauce?

    The basic ingredients are garlic, red chili peppers, sugar, salt, vinegar, water and tapioca starch. However, in this homemade sweet Thai chili sauce recipe, I added a red bell pepper which gives a very nice and natural bright red color. Also, I use Thai chili and it’s very spicy. Therefore, I only add 2-3 Thai chili peppers. Some like to use Fresno chili or red jalapeños.

    homemade sweet chili Thai sauce ingredients

    Cooking tips for how to make Thai sweet chili sauce:

    • Peel garlic and cut red bell pepper into chunks.
    • Then, put garlic, red bell pepper, water and Thai chilis into a tall container. I like to use a pitcher because the stuff won’t come out when you blend it. But, in the video I used a mixing bowl because it is easy to see.
    • Blend until it has little chunks that don't have to be very fine and smooth.
    • Add sugar, salt, white vinegar and simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes.
    • I like to use tapioca starch to thicken the sauce because it gives a clear and transparent color. The sauce will be thicker when it cools down. However, you can use cornstarch. It works ok.
    • Since Thai chili is very hot, I only use 2-3 chili peppers. You can add more or less depending on how hot you want the sauce. I like to use two Thai chilis because it is not too hot and has a great spicy flavor.

    FAQs:

    How long can the sauce last?

    The sauce will last for a few weeks if refrigerated.

    What is sweet chili sauce used for?

    It can be used for many other foods like deep fried egg rolls, tofu, wonton, Vietnamese spring rolls, spread on burgers, lettuce wrap with meats, Thai chicken pizza, etc.

    What kind of chili peppers do you use?


    I use Thai chili and it’s very spicy. Therefore, I only add 2-3 Thai chili peppers. Some like to use Fresno chili or red jalapeños.

    Instructions for how to make homemade Thai sweet chili sauce:

    red bell pepper cut up

    1. Wash, remove seeds and cut 1 large sized red bell pepper into chunks.

    no peel garlic cloves

    2. Peel and wash 10 cloves of garlic.

    garlic chili peppers in the bowl top view

    3. Next, put 2 Thai chili peppers, 10 peeled garlic cloves, 1 large cut up red bell pepper into the mixing bowl. Pour ½ cup of water and blend it.

    blend garlic chili in the bowl top view

    4. Blend the mixture until it's little chunks, don't have to be fine and smooth.

    blended chili garlic pouring into the pot

    5. After that, pour the mixture into a pot and turn on medium high fire until it's boiling. Then, add 1 cup of sugar, 1.5 teaspoon of salt, and ¾ cup of white vinegar. Stir and mix it well.

    simmer sweet chili Thai sauce in the pot top view

    6. Turn the fire to small and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Then, add tapioca mixture (tapioca starch 1.5 tablespoons and water 2 tablespoons mix well) to thicken the sauce.

    wooden spoon dripping homemade sweet chili Thai sauce in the pot

    Enjoy this easy and tasty homemade Asian sweet chili Thai sauce recipe! Also, check out these massaman curry, tom yum kung, pad Thai noodles, mango sticky rice, pad ka prao, spicy lemon shrimp, red curry and green curry recipes.

    a scoop of spoon dripping homemade Thai sweet chili sauce

    You May Also Like These Recipes:

    • TARO ICE CREAM
    • SOFT DINNER ROLLS
    • CHINESE STEAMED MINCED PORK
    • CALIFORNIA ROLL

    Subscribe Oh My Food Recipes to get our new recipes delivered straight to your inbox! Follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all the latest updates.

    homemade Thai sweet chili sauce on spoon dripping down

    Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

    Sweet chili sauce is also called Thai sweet chili sauce. Not only sweet chili sauce is popular and common in Thai cuisines, but also around south East Asian and Western. 
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: sauce
    Cuisine: Asian, Thai
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 30
    Calories: 31kcal
    Author: Tracy O.

    Equipment

    • 1 Pot
    • 1 Blender/ chopper

    Video

    Ingredients

    • 1 Large Red bell pepper
    • 2-3 Thai chili peppers (I like to use 2)
    • 10 cloves Garlic
    • ½ cup Water
    • 1 cup Sugar
    • 1.5 teaspoon Salt
    • ¾ cup White vinegar

    THICKEN SAUCE:

    • 1.5 tablespoons Tapioca starch
    • 2 tablespoons Water

    Instructions

    • Wash, remove seeds and cut 1 large sized red bell pepper into chunks.
    • Peel and wash 10 cloves of garlic.
    • Next, put 2 Thai chili peppers, 10 peeled garlic cloves, 1 large cut up red bell pepper into the mixing bowl. Pour ½ cup of water and blend it.
    • Blend the mixture until it's little chunks, don't have to be fine and smooth.
    • After that, pour the mixture into a pot and turn on medium high fire until it's boiling. Then, add 1 cup of sugar, 1.5 teaspoon of salt, and ¾ cup of white vinegar. Stir and mix it well.
    • Turn the fire to small and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Then, add tapioca mixture (tapioca starch 1.5 tablespoons and water 2 tablespoons mix well) to thicken the sauce.

    Notes

    Cooking tips for how to make Thai sweet chili sauce:

    • Peel garlic and cut red bell pepper into chunks.
    • Then, put garlic, red bell pepper, water and Thai chilis into a tall container. I like to use a pitcher because the stuff won’t come out when you blend it. But, in the video I used a mixing bowl because it is easy to see.
    • Blend until it has little chunks that don't have to be very fine and smooth.
    • Add sugar, salt, white vinegar and simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes.
    • I like to use tapioca starch to thicken the sauce because it gives a clear and transparent color. The sauce will be thicker when it cools down. However, you can use cornstarch. It works ok.
    • Since Thai chili is very hot, I only use 2-3 chili peppers. You can add more or less depending on how hot you want the sauce. I like to use two Thai chilis because it is not too hot and has a great spicy flavor.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 31kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 117mg | Potassium: 12mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 127IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @OhMyFoodRecipes or tag #OhMyFoodRecipes!

    More Sauce Recipes

    • Pineapple filling on the silver spoon close up
      Pineapple Filling
    • homemade cranberry sauce on the spoon in the glass jars
      Homemade Cranberry Sauce
    • Thai peanut sauce in the container with a spoon dripping the sauce down
      Thai Peanut Sauce Recipe
    • homemade Asian chili garlic sauce on the silver spoon
      Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce
    5 from 5 votes (5 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Tracy O.
    About Me

    Welcome to Oh My Food Recipes! Discover delightful meal inspiration in the world of specialty Asian cuisines. Our tried-and-true recipes come with step-by-step photo and video tutorials, making your cooking journey enjoyable and rewarding... Read more!

    Seasonal

    • fresh strawberry pie glaze with jello with checked towel
      Fresh Strawberry Pie

    • stir fry garlic yu choy sum on the white long plate
      Yu Choy Recipe

    • Chinese sticky rice dumpling zongzi
      Zongzi

    • drizzling syrup on top of the kansui zong or sweet zongzi or alkaline rice dumpling
      Sweet Zongzi

    • strawberry and white chocolate chip muffin open up
      Strawberry and White Chocolate Muffins

    • Hawaiian shave ice in the bowl
      Hawaiian Shave Ice

    MY FAVORITES

    • braised beef radish ho fun noodle soup in the bowl with sliver chopsticks
      Braised Beef Ho Fun Noodle Soup

    • beef pho noodle soup in the bowl with a spoon
      Pho Beef Noodle Soup

    • Chinese pan fried dumplings one bit open
      Chinese Pan Fried Dumplings

    • Chinese black sesame soup dessert on a spoon dripping into the bowl horizontal
      Black Sesame Soup

    • japchae Korean glass noodle on a black plate close up
      Japchae Korean Glass Noodles

    • pineapple buns close up front
      Pineapple Bun

    • Japanese tonkatsu deep fried pork cutlets
      Japanese Tonkatsu

    • Teriyaki sauce pouring from a glass bottle into a small container
      Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Disclosure & Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2025 Oh My Food Recipes

    AMAZON ASSOCIATES DISCLOSURE

    Oh My Food Recipes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.