Name: Pineapple Chili Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks; 1/2 cup rice vinegar; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 2–3 red chili peppers (such as Thai or Fresno), seeded for less heat; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

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If you’re craving the sweet heat of tropical flavors, you’ll fall head over heels for Pineapple Chili Sauce. This irresistible condiment brings together juicy, sun-kissed pineapple, fiery red chilies, and a hint of savory umami into one show-stopping sauce that screams summer sunshine. Whether you’re drizzling it over grilled meats, using it as a zippy dip, or adding a pop of color to your table, this sauce leaps off the plate and wakes up anything it touches. The best part? You only need a handful of fresh ingredients and less than 15 minutes to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise!

Pineapple Chili Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients come together for such a delightfully complex burst of flavor. Each one has a special role in creating the perfect balance of tang, heat, and sweetness that defines homemade Pineapple Chili Sauce.

Fresh pineapple chunks (2 cups): The star of the show, bringing natural sweetness and juicy texture.
Rice vinegar (1/2 cup): Adds a bright, tangy zing that sharpens up the tropical notes.
Brown sugar (1/3 cup): Deepens the sweetness and helps the sauce glaze beautifully.
Red chili peppers, such as Thai or Fresno (2–3, seeded for less heat): Provides a bold, lively kick and vibrant color.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Lends savory depth and rounds out the flavors.
Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Infuses a pop of umami and balances the fruits and peppers.
Cornstarch mixed with water (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water): Creates the perfect silkiness and helps the sauce cling to anything you dip.

How to Make Pineapple Chili Sauce

Step 1: Blend the Base

Start by adding your fresh pineapple chunks, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chili peppers, minced garlic, and soy sauce into a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and vibrant—this is where all those bright flavors begin to mingle and create magic. Want a chunkier sauce? Just pulse the mixture a few times instead of blending it all the way.

Step 2: Simmer to Perfection

Pour the blended mixture into a medium saucepan and set it over medium heat. Bring the sauce up to a gentle simmer. You’ll notice the kitchen instantly smells like a tropical vacation! Stir occasionally to encourage everything to meld together and let the flavors deepen.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

While your sauce simmers, quickly whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to form a smooth slurry. Stir this into the simmering saucepan and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until you see the Pineapple Chili Sauce reach your ideal thickness. It should be glossy and just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

This is your moment to personalize! Give the sauce a taste. If you like it sweeter, add a pinch more brown sugar. Want it tangier or spicier? Adjust the vinegar or chili to your liking. Once you’re thrilled with the flavor, let it cool slightly — the sauce will thicken even more as it cools.

How to Serve Pineapple Chili Sauce

Garnishes

Dress up each bowl with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or scallions for a refreshing kick. For extra pizzazz, a drizzle of toasted sesame seeds or diced red chili peppers not only brings color but makes this Pineapple Chili Sauce extra eye-catching and vibrant.

Side Dishes

This sauce was born to be dipped and drizzled! Pair it with platters of crispy spring rolls, golden fried tofu, or even as a glaze brushed over grilled chicken, pork, or shrimp. It’s also stunning alongside steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up every drop.

Creative Ways to Present

Decant the bright sauce into cute jars or bowls and place them around your table for easy reach. For parties, fill tiny condiment cups and top each with a pineapple wedge or chili slice. Don’t be shy about using the sauce as a cheerful dip in bento boxes, or as a swirl in poke bowls and noodle salads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerator storage is a breeze! Pour any leftover Pineapple Chili Sauce into an airtight container or glass jar. It’ll stay bright, fresh, and delicious for up to one week, ready to jazz up your lunches and dinners whenever cravings strike.

Freezing

For longer storage, simply freeze cooled sauce in small freezer-safe containers or silicone ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop out a cube or two whenever you need a splash of flavor. The integrity and color of the sauce hold up beautifully for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer the sauce into a small saucepan over low heat or zap it in 20-second bursts in the microwave. Give it a good stir so it returns to its silky-smooth texture. If it thickens too much after refrigeration or freezing, just add a splash of water and stir until perfect.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute canned pineapple (in juice, not syrup) for a quick shortcut. Just drain well before measuring. The flavor will be slightly less bright but still delicious and tropical!

How spicy is Pineapple Chili Sauce?

The heat level is totally customizable! Using 2 seeded red chilies gives a mild kick, while leaving in seeds or adding a third chili brings more fire. Taste and adjust as you blend for your perfect balance.

Is this recipe gluten-free and vegan?

You bet! As long as your soy sauce is certified gluten-free, this Pineapple Chili Sauce ticks both the vegan and gluten-free boxes, making it friendly for most eaters at your table.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Absolutely. This sauce recipe scales up or down effortlessly—just keep the ratios the same and blend in batches if needed. Extra sauce is never a bad thing!

What if I want a thinner or chunkier sauce?

If you prefer a thinner dipping sauce, simply add a splash of water or pineapple juice at the end and stir well. For a chunkier, rustic texture, pulse the pineapple mixture less before simmering so you have some juicy pineapple bits in every bite.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tasted homemade Pineapple Chili Sauce, it’s guaranteed to earn a spot in your weekly rotation. It’s the perfect way to bring bold flavor and a sunny mood to everything you cook—or dip! Give it a try and let your tastebuds dance to this sweet-and-spicy tropical beat.

Pineapple Chili Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 1 1/2 cups 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

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Description

A sweet and spicy Pineapple Chili Sauce that’s versatile and flavorful. This homemade sauce combines fresh pineapple, red chili peppers, and a touch of garlic for a tropical kick with a hint of heat. Perfect as a glaze or dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Pineapple Sauce:

2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
1/2 cup rice vinegar
1/3 cup brown sugar

Chili Paste:

2–3 red chili peppers (such as Thai or Fresno), seeded for less heat
2 cloves garlic, minced

Additional Ingredients:

1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

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Instructions

Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine pineapple, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chili peppers, garlic, and soy sauce. Blend until smooth.
Cook Mixture: Pour the mixture into a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust sweetness or spice level as desired.
Serve or Store: Cool slightly before serving or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.