Creamy Sweet Chili Sauce
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Today I have a fun new creamy sweet chili sauce recipe to share with all of you. I love to eat it with breaded shrimp, but you can use it for anything. You can use it as a salad dressing, fry sauce, sandwich spread or anything else that is tasty with a dipping sauce.
I have been eating this creamy sweet chili sauce with the panko frozen breaded shrimp from Costco. I think it would also be tasty with coconut shrimp too. It has the kick of sweet chili sauce, but not as strong since it is mixed with mayo and a couple of other ingredients.
You also mix in some lime juice and fresh chopped cilantro. The cilantro gives it amazing flavor and fresh taste. However, I have also made it without the cilantro and it is still tasty. Now, I think it is a little better if you can add in the cilantro, but if you don’t have it it’s ok. You can still make it and it will be super tasty.
This creamy sauce is as easy as mixing everything together. You can use this homemade sauce immediately, but I like to try and give it an hour in the fridge before using. This gives those flavors sometimes to meld together. Just add some mayonnaise to a bowl and mix until smooth. Then mix in some sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and copped fresh cilantro. Once it’s all combined, that’s it!
Ingredients for Creamy Sweet Chili Sauce
- MAYONNAISE
- SWEET CHILI SAUCE
- LIME JUICE
- FRESH CILANTRO
Instructions for Creamy Sweet Chili Sauce
Start with the Mayo: In a medium bowl, add the mayonnaise. Whisk it until it’s smooth and lump-free. This creates the perfect base for your sauce.
Add the Flavor: Now, pour in the sweet chili sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, and the vibrant cilantro.
Combine & Chill: Stir everything together until all the ingredients are well combined and the sauce is a uniform color. You can use your delicious creamy sweet chili sauce immediately, or for the best flavor and a slightly thicker consistency, cover it and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of sweet chili sauce should I use?
There are many brands of sweet chili sauce available in the international aisle of most grocery stores. Look for one labeled “Thai Sweet Chili Sauce” or “Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce.” They typically have a balance of sweet, tangy, and a mild chili kick. Brands like Mae Ploy, Thai Kitchen, or Trader Joe’s are popular choices.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
Yes! The spiciness primarily comes from the sweet chili sauce itself. If you prefer it milder, choose a sweet chili sauce that specifies “mild” or has a lower heat rating. If you like more heat, you can add a tiny dash of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture, stirring well to combine.
I don’t have fresh cilantro. Can I use dried cilantro or omit it?
Fresh cilantro provides a vibrant, essential flavor to this sauce. Dried cilantro won’t give the same fresh punch and can sometimes have a different, less desirable flavor. If you absolutely cannot get fresh cilantro, it’s generally better to omit it rather than use dried, or try a tiny pinch of dried parsley for color, though the flavor won’t be the same.
Can I substitute lime juice with lemon juice?
While lime juice provides a distinct bright, zesty flavor that pairs wonderfully with sweet chili, lemon juice could work in a pinch. It will give a slightly different, more tart profile, but still provide the necessary fresh citrus twist to balance the sweetness.
How long does this creamy sweet chili sauce last in the refrigerator?
Because this sauce is mayonnaise-based and contains fresh ingredients like cilantro and lime juice, it’s best consumed within 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Always give it a sniff and visual check before using if it’s been in the fridge for a few days.
What can I serve this creamy sweet chili sauce with?
This sauce is incredibly versatile! It’s fantastic as a dip for:
- Spring rolls or egg rolls
- Chicken tenders or chicken nuggets
- Crispy shrimp
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- Veggies
- It also makes a great spread for sandwiches, burgers, wraps, or a drizzle over grilled chicken or fish.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Creamy Sweet Chili Sauce
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 Tbsp lime juice
- 2 Tbsp fresh chopped cilantro
Instructions
- In a bowl, and the mayonnaise and mix until smooth. Then add in the sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and cilantro. Mix together until combined. Use immediately or refrigerate for 1 hour and use.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Peter’s Food Adventures.
