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–+ servings
P.f. chang's sweet chili sauce copycat recipe
Mary Kelly

P.f. Chang's Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

Before we dive into the delicious world of P.F. Chang’s Sweet Chili Sauce, let’s chat about what you can pair it with. Trust me, this sauce can elevate a myriad of dishes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Calories: 45
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ginger finely grated (optional, for an extra flavor boost)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar optional, for a subtle tangy note

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan

Method
 

  1. Start by getting a medium saucepan and combine sugar and water. Stir it gently over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves. You’ll notice it turning into a simple syrup as it heats up. This part should take about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Next, add the white vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes to the simmering syrup. Keep stirring. Allow this mixture to bubble gently. The garlic will infuse its flavor, and the spices will heat up in the mixture.
  3. While your mixture is bubbling, it’s time to prepare the cornstarch slurry. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until it’s smooth. This will act as your thickening agent. Once the sauce on the stove has a good boil, slowly add the cornstarch mixture while whisking it in. This helps prevent any lumps.
  4. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 1-2 more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. If you prefer a bit more zing, adding grated ginger and rice vinegar at this time will enhance the flavor profile even further. Remove from heat.
  5. Let your sauce cool down and then transfer it to a clean jar or container. Seal it tightly and refrigerate. It can stay fresh for about two weeks, but I doubt it will last that long!

Nutrition

Calories: 45kcalCarbohydrates: 12gSodium: 98mgSugar: 10g

Notes

  • Mix Well! Always stir ingredients well, especially when adding the cornstarch slurry. This way, you avoid any undesired lumps in your sauce.
  • Adjust the Heat: The amount of red pepper flakes can vary according to your tolerance for spice. Start with less if you prefer milder heat and adjust from there.
  • Add Freshness: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions before serving.
  • Store Wisely: Use an airtight container when storing the sauce. This keeps it fresher for a longer duration.
  • Utilize Leftovers: If you have extra sauce, think about using it as a glaze for grilled meats or roasted veggies. There’s no waste here!

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