Homemade Chili Garlic Sauce (Huy Fong Brand Copycat)
Ingredients for Chili Garlic Sauce
- What type of peppers to use
My secret for getting the authentic flavor of Huy Fong is to use red jalapeno peppers. That’s what Huy Fong uses, and they bring out that bright red, hot, peppery hue, and the right level of spiciness. Red jalapeno peppers are quite special and might be hard to find. You are likely to see them at Mexican grocery stores year round. You might be able to find them in regular grocery stores when they’re in season: March to April and late July to August.
If you can’t find them, though, you can use other types of chili peppers. One of the best alternatives is Fresno pepper, which produces a very similar result. We’ve made versions with many other different peppers and shared them with friends, and we were surprised to find that everyone had their own favorite version. The result won’t taste exactly the same as the Huy Fong brand, but it will still be absolutely delicious.
Mise en place
When you’re ready to cook, your table should have:
- Red jalapeno peppers
- Garlic
- Salt
- Sugar
- White distilled vinegar
- Water
- Cornstarch
How to make chili garlic sauce
Making chili garlic sauce is super easy. I like to think of it as an Asian salsa. It combines those red jalapeno peppers and garlic with sugar, salt, a little vinegar, and a slurry of cornstarch to create the right texture.
You’ll need a blender, a strainer, and a clean mason jar to preserve your spicy creation.
- Blend the peppers with the seasonings until it forms a chunky sauce.
- Remove 1/4 cup of blended peppers to add back later for texture.
- Blend the rest of the ingredients into a smooth sauce.
- Strain the sauce.
- Slightly cook the sauce together with the chunky part.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to thicken it.
How to store chili garlic sauce
Store chili garlic sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I’ve written down 1 month in the fridge. But in reality, I’ve stored homemade chili garlic sauce in the fridge for more than 3 months and it was still good. It’s important to always use a dried clean spoon when using the sauce, to keep the bacteria out. Before using the sauce, always smell it first if you’ve stored it for a long time. If you plan to store the chili garlic sauce for even longer, it’s better to freeze a portion of it so it lasts longer.
How to use chili garlic sauce
What can you use it on? As a hot sauce, this chili garlic sauce is amazing with chicken wings. You can also add a spoonful of it to any type of Asian-style noodles, or even jazz up steamed or roasted vegetables with it. It’s also a key ingredient in dishes such as chili garlic shrimp, sweet and sour fish, and pineapple glazed ham. It’s so versatile, which is why I’m sure it will become your new favorite condiment!
Other homemade sauce recipes
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Conclusion
This homemade chili garlic sauce recipe is just like the famed Huy Fong brand, giving you authentically garlicky and spicy results that are rich and well-balanced. Use it to create your own favorite Asian recipes!
FAQs
Q: Can I use other types of peppers instead of red jalapenos?
A: Yes, you can use other types of chili peppers, such as Fresno peppers, which produce a similar result.
Q: How long does homemade chili garlic sauce last in the fridge?
A: It can last up to 1 month in the fridge, but it’s best to use it within 3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Q: Can I freeze homemade chili garlic sauce?
A: Yes, you can freeze a portion of the sauce and use it later. Just be sure to label it and date it, and store it in a ziplock bag or airtight container.
Q: Can I use this sauce on other dishes besides Asian-style recipes?
A: Yes, this sauce is versatile and can be used on a variety of dishes, such as chicken wings, steamed or roasted vegetables, and more.