If you’re craving a condiment that bursts with vibrant flavors and a touch of sweet heat, then this Sweet Chili Mango Sauce – Easy, Flavorful Homemade Condiment Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen repertoire. This sauce perfectly balances juicy mango sweetness with a gentle kick of chili heat, all brought together by garlic and a tangy vinegar punch. It’s a versatile delight that effortlessly elevates everything from grilled meats to spring rolls, making it a must-try for any food enthusiast who loves a bright, tropical twist on classic chili sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Sweet Chili Mango Sauce is a breeze with just a handful of fresh and pantry staples. Each ingredient plays an important role, combining to create a sauce that’s not only vibrant in flavor but also beautifully textured.
- 2 cups chopped fresh mango: Provides natural sweetness and a smooth, fruity base for the sauce.
- ½ cup white sugar: Balances the tartness and enhances the mango’s sweetness without overpowering.
- ½ cup white vinegar: Adds a sharp tang that cuts through the sweetness, creating harmony in flavor.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Offers a savory depth that complements the fresh mango perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes: Brings the heat, adjustable depending on your spice preference.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Elevates all the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry): Thickens the sauce to a wonderful glossy consistency.
- Optional 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion: Provides extra depth and a subtle savory layer.
How to Make Sweet Chili Mango Sauce – Easy, Flavorful Homemade Condiment Recipe
Step 1: Puree the Mango
Start by blending your chopped fresh mango until completely smooth, aiming for about 1½ to 2 cups of puree. This fresh mango puree is the soul of the sauce, giving it that irresistible tropical sweetness and body.
Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the sugar, white vinegar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir these together gently and bring the mixture to a simmer. This step melds the sweet, tangy, and spicy elements into a deliciously balanced base.
Step 3: Add the Mango Puree
Pour the mango puree into the simmering mixture and continue to cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to deepen and gives the sauce a smooth, unified character that you’ll love.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into your sauce. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes beautifully glossy—this perfect consistency makes it ideal for drizzling or dipping.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Remove your vibrant sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly before transferring it to glass jars or airtight containers. Pop it in the refrigerator where it will keep fresh for up to two weeks, ready to add a flavorful punch to your meals.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Mango Sauce – Easy, Flavorful Homemade Condiment Recipe
Garnishes
Top your dishes with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions when serving this sauce. These garnishes add a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor that beautifully complements the Sweet Chili Mango Sauce’s tropical zest and mild heat.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes including crispy spring rolls, grilled shrimp skewers, or even a simple bowl of jasmine rice. Its delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes provides a perfect contrast that brightens any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try using your Sweet Chili Mango Sauce as a dipping sauce for crispy fried chicken or drizzled over roasted vegetables for an unexpected burst of flavor. It also makes an incredible glaze for salmon or tofu, instantly turning a simple dish into something truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Sweet Chili Mango Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The flavors will continue to meld beautifully, making it even tastier over time.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this sauce later, freezing is a great option. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the sauce gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired temperature. Avoid boiling as this can alter the texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use canned mango instead of fresh?
Fresh mango offers the best flavor and texture for this sauce, but if fresh isn’t available, canned mango (unsweetened) can be used in a pinch. Just be mindful that the texture and sweetness might vary slightly.
How spicy is this sauce?
The heat level depends on the amount of red pepper flakes you add. This recipe is moderately spicy, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding less or more red pepper flakes to suit your taste buds.
Is it necessary to use cornstarch?
The cornstarch slurry is key to achieving the perfect thickness and glossy finish. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can skip the cornstarch step, but the texture will be more liquid and less clingy.
Can I make this sauce vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free as it uses no animal products or gluten-containing ingredients, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
What dishes pair best with this Sweet Chili Mango Sauce?
This versatile sauce is fantastic with grilled meats, seafood, spring rolls, roasted veggies, and even as a tangy dressing over salads. Its sweet and spicy profile complements many cuisines beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about this Sweet Chili Mango Sauce – Easy, Flavorful Homemade Condiment Recipe that makes every bite sing with vibrant, fresh flavors. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a weeknight dinner or impress guests with a unique homemade sauce, this recipe is an absolute winner. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen, adding a delightful tropical twist to your favorite dishes.
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Sweet Chili Mango Sauce – Easy, Flavorful Homemade Condiment Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 1½ cups
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Description
This Sweet Chili Mango Sauce is a vibrant and easy-to-make homemade condiment that combines the tropical sweetness of fresh mangoes with the zesty tang of vinegar and a spicy kick from red pepper flakes. Perfect as a dipping sauce, glaze, or accompaniment to your favorite dishes, this flavorful sauce brings a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and spicy notes.
Ingredients
Fruit Puree
- 2 cups chopped fresh mango (about 2 large mangos, peeled and pitted)
Sauce Base
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion for extra depth
Thickening Agent
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Prepare Mango Puree: Blend the chopped fresh mango until smooth, resulting in about 1½ to 2 cups of mango puree. Set this aside for later use.
- Simmer Sauce Base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine white sugar, white vinegar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer to dissolve the sugar and marry the flavors.
- Add Mango Puree: Stir in the prepared mango puree into the saucepan. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to blend.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry. Pour this slurry into the simmering sauce and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool completely. Transfer it into clean glass jars or airtight containers and refrigerate. The sauce keeps well for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to taste.
- You can use finely chopped onion for a deeper flavor, but it is optional.
- This sauce works beautifully as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, grilled meats, or drizzled over rice bowls.
- Make sure to blend the mango thoroughly for a smooth consistency.
- Store the sauce in the refrigerator and consume within two weeks for best flavor and safety.
