Sweet Chili Dressing: Easy and Spicy

What is sweet chili dressing?

Sweet chili dressing is a versatile, Asian-inspired condiment that combines the sweet heat of chili peppers and honey, with savory and tangy ingredients. I often use it in Asian cuisines like Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese cuisines, whether for dressing salads, enhancing noodle dishes, or as a marinade or dipping sauce.

Sweet chili dressing recipe

Sweet chili dressing for salad brings a flavorful blend of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes to various dishes. Here’s how to make the sweet and chili dressing:

Sweet Chili Dressing

A perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors. Made with sweet chili sauce, tangy lime juice, and a hint of garlic, it’s quick to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors. The dressing adds the perfect kick to any dish!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Course Condiment

Cuisine Aisan

Servings 4

Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey or adjust to taste
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes for extra heat optional

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil.
• Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding a bit more honey or reducing it if you prefer a less sweet flavor.
• If you like a bit more spice, stir in the chili flakes.
• Let the dressing sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Drizzle over salads, grilled vegetables, or use as a dipping sauce.

Notes

Leftover dressing can inspire culinary creativity. You can use excess sweet salad dressing to:

• Mix into mayonnaise for a spicy spread
• Use as a pizza sauce base
• Incorporate into meatloaf or burger mixtures

Keyword garlic infused sauce, gluten free, homemade salad dressing, red chili pepper, spicy and sweet sauce, Sweet chili dressing

You can tailor the recipe to your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ways to customize:

1. Heat Level:
   • Increase or decrease the number of chili sauces
   • Experiment with different chili varieties for unique heat profiles
2. Consistency:
   • Adjust the amount of cornstarch for a thicker or thinner dressing
   • Blend some of the chilies for a smoother texture
3. Flavor Enhancements:
   • Add grated ginger for a spicy-sweet zing
   • Incorporate lime zest for a citrusy note
   • Stir in finely chopped lemongrass for a Thai-inspired twist

One of my favorite variations includes a tablespoon of fish sauce and a squeeze of lime juice, which adds depth and brightness to the dressing. However, for vegan guests, I often create a version using maple syrup, soy sauce, and a touch more vinegar to achieve a similar umami-rich flavor profile.

Variations

– Regional and Cultural Adaptations

Sweet chili dressing varies across different Asian cuisines. Each region imparts its unique twist:

– Spice Level Adjustments

Heat levels can be customized to suit individual preferences. Methods include:

1. Adjusting the quantity of chili peppers
2. Deseeding chilies for milder heat
3. Using different chili varieties

I’ve found that allowing diners to adjust spiciness enhances their enjoyment of the dressing.

– Fruit-Infused Versions

Fruit additions create innovative flavor profiles. Popular fruit infusions include:

• Pineapple for tropical sweetness – This is my favorite!
• Mango for a smooth, exotic touch
• Apple for a crisp, autumnal variation

– Herb-Enhanced Recipes

Fresh herbs elevate the dressing’s complexity. Consider incorporating:

• Cilantro for a fresh, citrusy note
• Thai basil for an anise-like flavor
• Mint for a cool contrast to the heat

In my kitchen, I’ve discovered that herbs can transform a simple dressing into a gourmet experience.

How to use

So, how to use sweet chili dressing? Here are some ways I love to use it:

1. As a Dipping Sauce: It pairs wonderfully with:

• Spring rolls and dumplings
• Grilled meats and fish
• Fresh vegetables
• Fried appetizers

2. As Marinades and Glazes: It imparts flavor and helps tenderize meats. Popular uses include:

• Glazing grilled chicken
• Marinating shrimp or fish
• Basting roasted vegetables

3. Dressing for Salads and Bowls: It pairs exceptionally well with:

• Asian-inspired slaws
• Grain bowls
• Noodle salads

4. In Stir-Fries and Asian-Inspired Dishes

The sweet chili dressing adds zip to stir-fries and other Asian dishes. It can be used:

1. As a finishing sauce for stir-fries
2. Mixed into Vietnamese noodles
3. As a flavor booster for fried rice

Discover More:

Catalina Dressing: A Sweet-Tangy Sensation Maple Balsamic Dressing Recipe: Sweet and Tangy Orange Apricot Vinaigrette: A Sweet and Tangy Delight Ranch Dressing: Easy Recipes to Try French Dressing: A Culinary Delight Russian Dressing: Bold Flavor in Minutes