- Bird's Eye Chili Peppers: For that signature heat
- Red Chili Peppers: Adds depth of flavor and color
- Garlic Cloves: Enhances the savory profile
- Shallots: Adds a mild onion flavor
- Lime Juice: Provides a tangy freshness
- Sugar: Balances the sweetness
- Fish Sauce: Brings umami flavors
- Rice Vinegar: Adds acidity and depth of taste
- Salt: Enhances overall flavor
- Vegetable Oil: For cooking the chili peppers
- **SEO Keywords:** Thai sweet chili sauce, Chef John's recipe, traditional Thai ingredients, bird's eye chilies, red chili peppers, garlic, shallots, lime juice, sugar, fish sauce, rice vinegar, salt, vegetable oil
Steps
### How to Make Chef John's Thai Style Sweet Chili Sauce: A Step-by-Step Guide
Chef John’s Thai style sweet chili sauce is a perfect blend of sweetness, heat, and tanginess that can elevate any dish from stir-fries to salads. This recipe is designed for those who love bold flavors but want to ensure the authenticity of Thai cuisine in their kitchen.
#### Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh red chilies (or 1/4 cup dried red chili flakes)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup fish sauce (you can substitute with soy sauce for a milder version)
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste or concentrate (diluted in 1/4 cup warm water)
- 3-4 tbsp vegetable oil
#### Tools:
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring spoons and cups
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Chilies:**
- If using fresh chilies, remove stems and roughly chop.
- For dried chilies, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes to rehydrate.
2. **Cooking the Base:**
- In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent (about 4-5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the chilies or rehydrated chili flakes. Cook for about 3-4 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. **Adding Sweetness:**
- Incorporate sugar into the mixture and stir well to ensure it dissolves completely.
- Pour in fish sauce (or soy sauce) and vinegar, allowing them to meld with the chilies and onions.
4. **Infusing Flavor:**
- Add tamarind paste or concentrate that has been diluted in warm water. This will add a distinctive sourness essential for Thai sweet chili sauce.
- Simmer the mixture over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. **Blending:**
- Once the flavors are well combined, let the sauce cool slightly.
- Transfer the contents of the saucepan to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth but not overly pureed; you want some texture for thickness.
6. **Adjusting Consistency and Flavor:**
- Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness, saltiness, or acidity if needed by adding more sugar, fish sauce, or vinegar.
- Return the blended sauce to a clean pot and heat it over low heat until heated through but not boiling.
7. **Finishing Touches:**
- Pour the sauce into sterilized bottles or jars. Allow it to cool completely before storing in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
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- Optimize images by using descriptive filenames and alt tags that include keywords like "Thai sweet chili sauce ingredients."
Enjoy crafting this delightful sauce, perfect for dipping or adding a zesty touch to your favorite Thai dishes!