Chili Pineapple Sauce Recipe
If you’re ready to invigorate your meals with a playful twist, this Chili Pineapple Sauce is about to become your new obsession. Bursting with bright tropical sweetness, a subtle tang, and a gentle kick of heat, this sauce is the secret to transforming ordinary dishes into something truly unforgettable. Whether you drizzle it over grilled chicken, use it as a lively dip, or swirl it into stir-fries, you’ll love how it brings a perfect balance of fiery chili and juicy pineapple to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chili Pineapple Sauce is how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Each one plays a vital role, from adding sweetness and zing to creating that signature glossy finish you’ll want to spoon onto everything.
- Pineapple juice: Delivers natural tropical sweetness and a zesty base for the sauce.
- Crushed pineapple (with juice): Adds texture and bursts of real pineapple flavor in every bite.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a gentle acidity that brightens up the sauce and balances the sweetness.
- Honey or brown sugar: Gives a mellow sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize beautifully.
- Chili garlic sauce: This is where the heat and savory depth come in; adjust to your preferred spice level.
- Soy sauce: Adds a touch of umami and saltiness that rounds out the overall flavor.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and a savory undertone.
- Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce to that perfect, silky consistency for drizzling or dipping.
- Pinch of salt: Pulls all the flavors together and enhances the overall taste.
How to Make Chili Pineapple Sauce
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by setting a small saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the pineapple juice and add the crushed pineapple (with all its juice), rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Give everything a thorough stir so the flavors can begin mingling right away. You’ll immediately notice the sweet-tangy aroma that sets the tone for this vibrant sauce.
Step 2: Simmer and Develop Flavor
Bring your mixture up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the magic happens: the pineapple softens, the chili infuses its warmth, and all the flavors start to marry into a beautifully balanced blend. Don’t rush this step—the simmer allows the sauce to develop its signature depth.
Step 3: Thicken with Cornstarch Slurry
Now, give your cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) a quick stir and pour it into the simmering sauce. Keep stirring for another 1 to 2 minutes, watching as the sauce transforms into a luscious, glossy glaze. You want it thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable—perfect for all your saucy adventures.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Take the saucepan off the heat and let your Chili Pineapple Sauce cool slightly. This gives it time to thicken just a touch more and lets the flavors settle. You can serve it warm for a cozy, comforting touch, or chill it for a refreshing, bright kick—it’s delicious either way!
How to Serve Chili Pineapple Sauce

Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or a few rings of red chili pepper make this Chili Pineapple Sauce look just as incredible as it tastes. For a tropical finishing touch, you can even add a bit of finely diced fresh pineapple. Each garnish adds a pop of color and another layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
This sauce is a superstar alongside classic favorites like crispy spring rolls, grilled shrimp, or even roasted vegetables. It’s also fantastic brushed over grilled chicken or tofu, adding a sweet-and-spicy glaze that turns any simple protein into the star of your meal. Serve it with jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond dipping! Swirl your Chili Pineapple Sauce into a stir-fry for a tropical twist, drizzle it over tacos or lettuce wraps, or use it as a base for a quick, zippy salad dressing. For parties, pour it into a small bowl and let guests dip skewered appetizers or grilled pineapple chunks—everyone loves a playful, hands-on dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chili Pineapple Sauce keeps beautifully in the fridge. Just pour any extra into a clean, airtight container and it’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to a week. The flavors actually continue to meld and deepen, making it even better after a day or two.
Freezing
If you’ve made a big batch or want to prep ahead, this sauce freezes surprisingly well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room for expansion. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using—so convenient!
Reheating
To bring your Chili Pineapple Sauce back to its glossy, pourable glory, simply warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. If it seems a bit thick from chilling, just stir in a splash of water or pineapple juice until it loosens up to your liking.
FAQs
Can I adjust the spiciness of the Chili Pineapple Sauce?
Absolutely! The level of heat is totally in your hands. Start with a smaller amount of chili garlic sauce, then taste and add more as you like. It’s easy to customize for both heat-seekers and those who prefer things milder.
Is this sauce vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally vegan if you use brown sugar instead of honey, and gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. It’s a great fit for all kinds of dietary needs without any sacrifice in flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have chili garlic sauce?
If chili garlic sauce isn’t on hand, try a mix of sriracha and a little minced fresh garlic, or substitute with another favorite chili sauce. Just remember to adjust the quantity to match your spice preference.
How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
For a thicker sauce, add a touch more cornstarch slurry and simmer an extra minute. If you’d like it thinner, simply whisk in a bit more pineapple juice or water until the consistency is just right for your recipe.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Definitely! Fresh pineapple adds a lovely brightness and texture. Just chop it finely and use any juice collected during cutting. It will make the Chili Pineapple Sauce even more vibrant and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
If you love bold flavors and easy recipes, you owe it to yourself to try this Chili Pineapple Sauce. It’s a true kitchen chameleon—bright, spicy, and endlessly versatile. I can’t wait for you to discover all the delicious ways this sauce can brighten up your favorite dishes!
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Chili Pineapple Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vibrant Chili Pineapple Sauce is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that can elevate any dish. Made with pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, and chili garlic sauce, it’s ideal as a dip, glaze, or drizzle. Its bright tropical notes combined with a gentle heat make it suitable for grilled meats, stir-fried vegetables, or spring rolls.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool slightly. Serve it warm or chilled as a dipping sauce, glaze, or drizzle over your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to control the heat level according to your preference.
- This sauce pairs wonderfully with spring rolls, grilled chicken, shrimp, or stir-fried vegetables.
- Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce.
- The sauce can be enjoyed warm or cold depending on your dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg