This Homemade Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce is a glossy, sweet-and-spicy condiment that brings tropical brightness and gentle heat to any dish. With juicy pineapple, balanced sweetness, and a subtle chili kick, it’s perfect for dipping, glazing, or drizzling over your favorite meals. Simple to prepare and made with pantry-friendly ingredients, this sauce delivers fresh, vibrant flavor that easily outshines store-bought versions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sauce comes together quickly in just minutes and uses straightforward ingredients you can adjust to your taste. The natural sweetness of pineapple pairs beautifully with sweet chili sauce, while ginger and garlic add depth without overpowering. It’s versatile enough for appetizers, main dishes, and even marinades, and it stores well so you can enjoy it anytime you need a quick flavor boost.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
1 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Directions
In a medium saucepan, combine the drained crushed pineapple, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir well to blend everything evenly.
Add the minced ginger and garlic, mixing thoroughly.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring from time to time, until it thickens and becomes glossy.
If using red pepper flakes, add them during the simmering stage so the heat infuses evenly.
Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 2½ cups of sauce.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: approximately 15–20 minutes
Serving size: about 2 tablespoons per serving, enough for roughly 20 servings.
Variations
For a chunkier texture, add extra small pineapple pieces during cooking.
For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add finely chopped fresh chili.
For a tangier profile, add an extra teaspoon of rice vinegar or a splash of lime juice.
For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with gluten-free tamari.
For a thicker sauce, simmer a few extra minutes or add a small cornstarch slurry.
Storage/Reheating
Store the sauce in an airtight container or clean glass jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, warm gently in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. If the sauce thickens too much when chilled, add a tablespoon of water while reheating to loosen it.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, finely chop fresh pineapple and lightly crush it to release some juice before using.
Is this sauce very spicy?
It is mildly spicy. You can control the heat by adjusting or omitting the red pepper flakes.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes, it works well as a marinade for chicken, seafood, or vegetables.
How thick should the sauce be?
It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. The flavor develops even more after a day in the refrigerator.
Does it freeze well?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change due to the pineapple.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the brown sugar slightly, but the sauce will be less sweet.
What dishes pair best with this sauce?
It’s excellent with grilled chicken, shrimp, spring rolls, stir-fried vegetables, or rice dishes.
Can I blend the sauce smooth?
Yes, blend after cooking if you prefer a completely smooth texture.
How long does it last in the fridge?
When stored properly, it keeps well for up to two weeks.
Conclusion
Homemade Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce is a simple yet flavorful addition to your kitchen that brings sweet, spicy, and tangy notes together in perfect balance. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, it’s ideal for enhancing everyday meals or special occasions. Once you try it, this homemade version is sure to become a staple you’ll reach for again and again.
This Homemade Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the gentle heat of chili, balanced by tangy vinegar and savory soy sauce. Perfect as a dip, glaze, or drizzle, it’s quick to make and far better than store-bought versions.
Ingredients
1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
1 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine crushed pineapple, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir well.
Add the minced ginger and garlic, mixing thoroughly.
Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and glossy.
If using red pepper flakes, stir them in during simmering to infuse heat.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving. Sauce will thicken more as it cools.
Notes
Use fresh pineapple instead of canned for a brighter flavor—just crush lightly before adding.
Increase red pepper flakes or add fresh chili for more heat.
For a chunkier texture, stir in extra pineapple pieces before serving.
Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
To thicken more, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).
