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Asian Chilli Garlic Sauce

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This Asian chilli garlic sauce recipe gives a flavorful kick to any dish, bursting with the perfect balance of spicy heat and savory garlic like huy fong. It’s an adjustable homemade chili garlic sauce recipe that you can drizzle over everything from stir-fries to grilled meats, adding a delicious punch. 

Chilli garlic sauce with herbs and spices.
Asian Chilli Garlic Sauce. Photo credit: Lets Cook Today.

I decided to experiment and combine a few ingredients I had on hand: chili, garlic, soy sauce, and it turned out to be the perfect balance of heat and savoriness. From that day on, I made my own Asian chilli garlic sauce, and it quickly became my go-to for adding an irresistible kick to everything from stir-fries to grilled meats.

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Chili Garlic Sauce is Made for Feasting at Home

Chili garlic sauce is a bold and flavorful addition to any meal, perfect for adding a zesty kick to your dishes. The combination of spicy chili and aromatic garlic creates a savory and heat-packed sauce, making it ideal for feasting with family or friends. Drizzled over stir-fries or meats or used as a dipping sauce, this homemade chili garlic sauce will take your meals to the next level.

Own Version of Huy Fong Chili Garlic Sauce

Creating your version of Huy Fong chili garlic sauce means you can adjust the spice level and flavor to your liking. It’s as simple as blending fresh garlic, chili peppers, vinegar, and a few pantry staples. Homemade chili garlic sauce brings all the flavor without any preservatives, and you get to make it just the way you love it.

Asian garlic sauce with ginger and chives.
Asian garlic sauce with ginger and chives.

Similar to Authentic Szechuan Sauce

The homemade chili garlic sauce recipe is similar to Szechuan sauce, with its bold, spicy, and slightly tangy flavor profile. While Szechuan sauce may incorporate more complex spices like Sichuan peppercorns, this version brings a simple yet fiery kick to your favorite dishes. Perfect for those who love a bit of heat when having air fryer chicken drumsticks or fried chicken bites.

Your Easy-Peasy Guide for Garlic Chili Sauce Recipe

Create a bold and flavorful garlic chili sauce with this easy guide. Packed with the perfect mix of heat and savory garlic, this sauce will elevate any dish, whether as a marinade or dipping sauce.

Asian garlic sauce garnished with green onions.
Asian garlic sauce garnished with green onions.

Kitchen Must-Haves

  • Sauce Pan: Perfect for simmering sauces, soups, and cooking grains. It’s an essential, versatile tool for both small and large batches of cooking.
  • Bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for mixing ingredients, prepping meals, and serving dishes. It’s a kitchen staple that helps keep everything organized.
  • Spatula: A spatula is perfect for stirring, scraping, and flipping ingredients without damaging your cookware. Its flat surface makes it a must-have for smooth and precise cooking.

Grab these Sauce Ingredients:

  • Sugar-Free Maple Syrup: A great sugar substitute, sugar-free maple syrup adds a rich, natural sweetness without any added sugar. It’s perfect for making healthier sauces and dressings.
  • Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a spicy, aromatic flavor to your dishes, offering a warm kick that pairs well with savory and sweet recipes. It’s great for boosting the flavor of sauces and stir-fries.
  • Gluten-Free Soy Sauce: Gluten-free soy sauce brings a savory, umami flavor without any wheat-based ingredients. It’s an excellent alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Rice Vinegar: provides a mild, slightly sweet acidity that enhances the balance of flavors in your dishes. It’s perfect for dressings, sauces, and marinades.
  • Xanthan Gum: A great thickening agent is ideal for giving your sauces the right texture. Just a small amount helps create a smooth and glossy finish.
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent, savory flavor to any dish, making it a key ingredient in almost every savory recipe. Fresh garlic infuses sauces with its robust, aromatic taste.
  • Sesame Oil: Rich, nutty flavor to your dishes, improve stir-fries, sauces, and dressings. A little goes a long way in bringing out deep, complex flavors.
  • Broth: Serves as a flavorful liquid base for soups, sauces, and risottos. Whether chicken, beef, or vegetable, it helps deepen the taste of your cooking.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Add a spicy kick to any dish, perfect for giving sauces a bit of heat. They’re great for sprinkling into sauces, soups, or pasta dishes for extra flavor.

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Make Chili Crisp Garlic Dipping Sauce

First: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before cooking, make sure all your ingredients are ready. Measure everything out and mince the garlic and ginger so they’re easy to add when needed. Keeping everything close by will make the process smooth and efficient.

Asian chilli garlic sauce ingredients on counter.
Ingredients for Asian Chilli Garlic Sauce.

Second: Sauté the Garlic and Ginger

Heat sesame oil in a pot over medium heat until it starts to smell amazing. Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for a minute or until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn. This step sets the foundation for a flavorful sauce.

Garlic and ginger simmering in white saucepan.
Garlic and ginger simmering in white saucepan.

Third: Add Broth and Thicken

Slowly pour in the broth while stirring to blend everything together. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a bit of spice, and gradually whisk in xanthan gum to thicken the sauce without any lumps. Let the mixture simmer and thicken up into that signature smooth texture.

Broth and spices added into cooking sauce.
Broth and spices added into cooking sauce.

Fourth: Add the Rest of the Ingredients

Stir in soy sauce, maple syrup, ginger, and rice vinegar, making sure to mix everything well. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes so the flavors come together. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Soy sauce and vinegar poured into pan.
Soy sauce and vinegar poured into pan.

Five: Mix Everything Together

Give the sauce one last good stir to make sure everything is combined. Now, your homemade Asian chili garlic sauce is ready to use or store for later. Enjoy the depth of flavor this sauce brings to your dishes.

Thickened chilli garlic sauce stirred in saucepan.
Thickened chilli garlic sauce stirred in saucepan.

Handy Tips for Tasty Wins:

  • Adjust Spice Level: Control the heat by adding more or fewer chilies. For a milder sauce, remove the seeds from the chilies before blending.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and chilies. This will make the sauce more aromatic and vibrant.
  • Balance the Flavors: Add a touch of sugar or honey to balance the heat and acidity. A splash of soy sauce can deepen the umami flavor.
  • Texture Control: For a chunkier sauce, pulse the garlic and chilies slightly. If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend until silky and consistent.

Your Questions, My Answers

What are the Pairings to Try with Easy Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce

Chili garlic sauce is perfect with meats, especially crispy chicken fritters and zucchini and sausage balls with cream cheese. You can also pair it with noodles, rice, or fried pickles for a fiery kick. For something different, drizzle it over roasted vegetables or use it as a dipping sauce for dumplings or spring rolls.

How to Store Chili-Garlic Sauce?

Store your homemade chili-garlic sauce in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh for up to two weeks. Be sure the container is sealed well to preserve the flavors and prevent any odors from the fridge from affecting the sauce. A mason jar or glass bottle works great for storage.

Spicy chilli garlic sauce topped with onions.
Spicy chilli garlic sauce topped with onions.
How to Freeze This Latest Recipe for Chilli Garlic?

To freeze chili garlic sauce, simply transfer it into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for easy portioning. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the containers for expansion. When you’re ready to use it, thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy the same great flavor.

More Stress-Free Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re looking for easy, flavorful meals that require minimal effort, you’ll love these stress-free recipes. Air fryer shrimps and air fryer chicken drumsticks offer quick and delicious ways to enjoy crispy, juicy protein with just a fraction of the work. 

Homemade sausage is great to have whenever you don’t want to use the store-bought version, making mealtime feel effortless and tasty.

Pin and Come Back Anytime

Asian chilli garlic sauce in white bowl.
Asian chilli garlic sauce in white bowl.

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Bowl of chilli garlic sauce with scallions.

Asian Chilli Garlic Sauce

Zuzana Paar
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Asian chili garlic sauce adds bold heat and savory flavor to any meal. Made with fresh chilies and garlic, it’s the perfect balance of spice and depth, just like your favorite Huy Fong version. Use it to boost stir-fries, noodles, or grilled dishes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Pantry, Sauces and Spices
Cuisine American, Asian, International
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 25 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 
 

  • 3 Tablespoons Sugar-Free Maple Syrup
  • 2 Teaspoons Freshly Grated Ginger
  • 1/4 Cup Gluten-Free Soy Sauce 60 ml
  • 1 Tablespoon Rice Vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Xanthan Gum
  • 3 Pieces Garlic Cloves minced
  • 2 teaspoons Sesame Oil
  • 1/2 Cup Broth 120 ml
  • 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Video

Instructions
 

  • Measure all ingredients and mince garlic and ginger so they’re ready to add when needed. Keeping everything organized ensures a smooth process.
  • Heat sesame oil over medium heat, then cook the garlic and ginger for about a minute until fragrant without burning.
  • Gradually pour in the broth while stirring, add red pepper flakes, and whisk in xanthan gum until the sauce thickens smoothly.
  • Mix in soy sauce, maple syrup, ginger, and rice vinegar, then let the sauce simmer a few minutes so the flavors blend.
  • Stir once more to fully combine, then remove from heat. Your homemade chili garlic sauce is ready to enjoy or store for later use.

Notes

  • Adjust Spice Level: Control the heat by adding more or fewer chilies. For a milder sauce, remove the seeds from the chilies before blending.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and chilies. This will make the sauce more aromatic and vibrant.
  • Balance the Flavors: Add a touch of sugar or honey to balance the heat and acidity. A splash of soy sauce can deepen the umami flavor.
  • Texture Control: For a chunkier sauce, pulse the garlic and chilies slightly. If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend until silky and consistent.

Nutrition

Serving: 2TablespoonsCalories: 25kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0.4mgSodium: 489mgPotassium: 53mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 99IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.2mg

Disclaimer

Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Perfect bites to have the sauce with

Snacks to have with chili garlic sauce should be simple and able to handle bold, spicy flavor. Try onion rings, fried pickles, or even crispy chicken for a satisfying kick.

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By Zuzana Paar on May 12th, 2026
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About Zuzana Paar

Welcome to Let's Cook Today, where we make cooking simple and delicious together. Join me as we whip up tasty recipes that turn every mealtime into a food adventure. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, friends, or hosting a party, we've got the perfect portions and flavors to make every dish a delight. Let's cook together and savor the joy of creating amazing meals, effortlessly.

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