Homemade Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce (Sweet, Tangy & Perfectly Spicy)
This Homemade Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce is a vibrant, tropical condiment that brings together sweet, tangy, savory, and lightly spicy flavors in one irresistible sauce. Made with crushed pineapple, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and fresh ginger and garlic, this sauce is incredibly versatile and easy to make.
It’s perfect as a dipping sauce, a glaze for grilled meats, a drizzle over rice bowls, or even as a marinade for chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Best of all, it stores beautifully — making it ideal for batch cooking so you can enjoy it year-round.
Why You’ll Love This Sauce
- Sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavor balance
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for dipping, glazing, and marinating
- Great for meal prep and batch cooking
- Customizable heat level
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Crushed pineapple (drained) | 1 cup |
| Sweet chili sauce | ½ cup |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Brown sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh ginger (minced) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ¼ teaspoon |
How to Make Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Drain the crushed pineapple very well so the sauce doesn’t become watery. Mince the garlic and ginger finely for the best flavor distribution.
Step 2: Combine in a Saucepan
Add the crushed pineapple, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic to a medium saucepan. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Bring to a Simmer
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Reduce and Thicken
Lower the heat and allow the sauce to simmer for 10–15 minutes. As it cooks, the flavors will intensify and the sauce will thicken into a glossy glaze.
Step 5: Adjust the Spice
If you like heat, stir in the red pepper flakes during simmering. You can adjust the amount depending on your spice tolerance.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Transfer to a jar or airtight container for storage.
Serving Ideas
- Use as a dipping sauce for egg rolls, spring rolls, or chicken tenders
- Brush over grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, or pork
- Drizzle over rice bowls or stir-fried vegetables
- Use as a glaze for baked wings or roasted tofu
- Add to wraps or sandwiches for a sweet-spicy kick
Storage & Shelf Life
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks
- For longer storage, freeze in small portions for up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using
Pro Tips
- For extra thickness, simmer a few minutes longer.
- For a smoother sauce, blend briefly with an immersion blender.
- Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free options.
- Add lime juice or orange zest for extra brightness.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce is a simple yet bold recipe that adds instant flavor to almost anything. Whether you’re dipping, glazing, or marinating, this sauce brings sweet tropical notes, gentle heat, and savory depth together in one spoonful.
Make a batch, store it in your fridge, and enjoy a little burst of sweet-spicy sunshine whenever you need it.
Once you make it, you’ll never want to be without it!