Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce is a fast, vibrant condiment that brings life to almost any dish. The natural sweetness of pineapple blends smoothly with mild heat from chili and a savory touch of soy, creating a balanced sauce that’s bright, versatile, and incredibly easy to make. It works beautifully as a glaze for meats, a dipping sauce for appetizers, or a drizzle over roasted vegetables and rice bowls.
This homemade version skips preservatives and artificial thickeners, relying on fresh pineapple, a quick simmer, and a simple cornstarch slurry. The result is a glossy, flavorful sauce that tastes fresher and more customizable than anything you’ll find in a store.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Takes only 15 minutes
• Sweet, tangy, and gently spicy
• Perfect for glazing, dipping, drizzling, or marinades
• Customizable sweetness and heat levels
• Uses pantry ingredients
• Stores well and tastes even better the next day
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup chopped pineapple (fresh or thawed frozen)
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili paste or sriracha
- ½ tsp minced garlic
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
How to Make Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce
Before You Begin
Measure all ingredients before starting. Use a small saucepan and keep heat at medium to prevent the sugar from scorching. Cooking times and results may vary slightly depending on heat level and pan size.
1. Combine All Ingredients
Add pineapple, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, chili paste, garlic, and ginger to a small saucepan.
2. Simmer Until Soft
Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes. The pineapple should soften and release its juices, creating the base of the sauce.
3. Thicken the Sauce
Whisk cornstarch with water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the saucepan and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
4. Cool & Store
Remove from heat and let it cool. The sauce will continue to thicken as it rests. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How to Serve
This sauce pairs well with:
• Grilled chicken, shrimp, or pork
• Roasted vegetables
• Spring rolls and dumplings
• Stir-fry bowls
• Glazed tofu
• Salmon or white fish
Use it as a marinade, dipping sauce, or finishing drizzle.
How to Store
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
How to Reheat
Warm gently on low heat.
If it thickens too much, stir in a small splash of water or pineapple juice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using frozen pineapple without adjusting liquid — frozen pineapple releases extra juice as it cooks and may require a longer simmer to thicken.
• Adding too much chili paste — Start small, adjust gradually.
• Skipping the cornstarch slurry — The sauce won’t thicken properly.
• Cooking on high heat — Sugar burns easily.
• Not stirring while thickening — Can lead to lumps.
FAQ
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes. This sauce stores beautifully and often develops deeper flavor after a day in the fridge. Make up to a week in advance.
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes—just drain it well. Canned pineapple may make the sauce slightly sweeter, so reduce sugar if needed.
How can I adjust the heat level?
Use less chili paste for mild heat or add a bit more for extra spice. You can also stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a finely sliced chili for additional kick.
Can I blend this sauce?
Absolutely. For a smooth dipping sauce, blend after cooling using an immersion or regular blender.
Is rice vinegar required?
Rice vinegar adds a mellow tang, but apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can be used as substitutes.
Can I freeze Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce?
Yes. Freeze in small airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Conclusion
Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce adds instant flavor to everyday meals with minimal effort. Its balance of sweet pineapple, gentle heat, and savory notes makes it a versatile condiment for dipping, glazing, or drizzling. Whether you use it on grilled meats, veggies, seafood, or appetizers, this simple homemade sauce brings a bright, tropical twist that keeps meals exciting and fresh.
Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Before You Begin
- Measure all ingredients before starting. Use a small saucepan and keep heat at medium to prevent the sugar from scorching. Cooking times and results may vary slightly depending on heat level and pan size.
- Add pineapple, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, chili paste, garlic, and ginger to a saucepan.
- Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, and simmer 5–7 minutes until pineapple softens.
- Mix cornstarch with water to form a smooth slurry.
- Stir slurry into the saucepan and cook 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
About the Author
Isaac shares easy, family-friendly recipes made with simple ingredients, focusing on clear instructions and reliable results for everyday home cooking.
