Delicious Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce

Alyssa

Enjoy the sweet and spicy flavors of chili pineapple sauce—perfect as a glaze, dip, or topping for any dish.

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1 cup fresh pineapple finely chopped: The star of the show! Fresh pineapple adds natural sweetness, a touch of acidity, and a tropical flair that brightens up the sauce.
1/2 cup water: Used to facilitate the cooking process helping to dissolve other ingredients and create a smooth texture.
1/4 cup white vinegar: This adds tanginess and helps balance the sweetness of the pineapple and honey.
1/4 cup honey: A natural sweetener that complements the pineapple and creates a luscious sauce. If you're looking for alternatives agave syrup can be used for a vegan option.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: This adds umami depth to the sauce. For a gluten-free option tamari can be substituted.
1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced: Ginger provides a warm, spicy note that enhances the overall flavor.
2 garlic cloves minced: Garlic adds aromatic qualities, enriching the sauce with warmth and complexity.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: This thickening agent is key to achieving the desired texture of the sauce.
2 tablespoons water for cornstarch: This is used to dissolve the cornstarch before adding it to the sauce.
1 teaspoon red chili flakes adjust to taste: A touch of heat that can be increased or decreased based on your preference.
Salt to taste: A pinch of salt is essential to enhance and balance all the different flavors.

Flavor Base: Begin by combining 1 cup of finely chopped fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup of water, 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves in a medium-sized saucepan. Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This initial cooking phase allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Simmer: Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes. This will soften the pineapple and intensify the flavors, filling your kitchen with an amazing aroma.
Thicken: In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the simmering sauce. This will help thicken the sauce, giving it a lovely texture.
Add Heat: If you like a bit of spice, now is the time to add in 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes. Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference—feel free to add more or less!
Season: After mixing in the chili flakes, add a pinch of salt to taste. This will enhance all the flavors in your sauce.
Final Simmer: Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes. You’ll notice it thickening nicely as it cools down, creating a perfect sauce consistency.
Serve: Once cooled, your Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce is ready to be drizzled over grilled chicken or used as a zesty dipping sauce. Try incorporating it into stir-fried vegetables for an extra flavor punch!