Applebee’s Sweet Asian Chili Sauce Recipe

When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on June 4, 2023 | Last Updated on March 19, 2024

Applebee’s Sweet Asian Chili sauce is one of the most popular sauces at Applebee’s restaurants across the United States. It’s an incredible blend of sweet and spicy flavors that goes great with a variety of dishes.

This recipe will help you recreate the same delicious taste right in your own kitchen, saving you time and money! But remember, making your own version of the Sweet Asian Chili sauce is sure to be as good or even better than the original recipe. Please follow the recipe instructions sequentially.

Applebee's Sweet Asian Chili Sauce Recipe

What Is Applebee’s sweet Asian chili sauce?

Applebees Sweet Asian Chili sauce is a delicious and flavorful condiment that is pretty much difficult to resist. It is made with various ingredients like garlic, sugar, water, vinegar, and chili peppers. The sauce combines these ingredients to create a sweet and spicy blend of flavors that is perfect for enhancing the taste of many dishes, from stir-fries to salads.

Want more sauce Recipes? Check them out!

Where Did I First Try Applebee’s sweet Asian chili sauce?

I first tried Applebee’s Sweet Asian Chili sauce on a trip to the USA where I visited one of Applebee’s shops. The sauce was served with a side of chicken strips and it was absolutely delicious. I remember the taste being sweet and spicy, but also slightly tangy.

Ever since then, I’ve been hooked on the flavor and have been trying to recreate it in my own kitchen. Besides, having the store-bought version of this sauce is expensive.

However, ever since I’ve discovered this recipe, I can have the same delicious sauce at home without breaking the bank. Eventually, after several trials, I was able to perfect my own version.

You can also read the following Sauces Recipes:

Ingredients

  • Dry chili: Dry chilies are essential to make the sauce. This chili is the source of spiciness in the recipe. You can use any type of chilies you have in your pantry.
  • Cornflour: Cornflour helps thicken the sauce, making it more flavorful and creamy.
  • Water: To prepare this Sweet Asian Chili sauce, you will also need water.
  • Sugar: Sugar is essential to make the sauce sweet. You can use white granulated sugar or brown sugar in this recipe.
  • Vinegar: In addition to the sweetness from sugar, vinegar will give a slight tanginess to the sauce.
  • Garlic: To further enhance the flavor, chopped garlic is added.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance out all the flavors in this dish.
Applebee's Sweet Asian Chili Sauce Recipe

Cooking Directions

Step 1: Boil the Dry Chilies

To start making your very own Applebee’s Sweet Asian Chili sauce, take a pot and heat it over medium heat. Then, add water to it and let it come to a boil. Once the water is boiling, carefully place the dry chilies into the pot. Let them boil for about 10 minutes or until they become soft and pliable.

Step 2: Make the Chili Paste

Once the chilies are boiled, remove them from heat and transfer them to a blender. Blend the chilies until they turn into a smooth paste. You can also add some water if needed to get the desired consistency. Keep the chili paste aside for later use.

Step 3: Prepare Cornflour Mixture

In a small bowl, mix cornflour and water together until there are no lumps. This mixture will help thicken the sauce later on.

Step 4: Cook the Sauce

Using the same pot, add the chili paste, sugar, vinegar and chopped garlic. Cook the mixture over medium heat and stir it continuously for about 10 minutes until it starts to bubble. This will help the flavors to blend together and create a delicious sauce.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Once the mixture is bubbling, add the cornflour mixture to it and mix well. Let it cook for another 5-10 minutes or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Make sure to keep stirring so that no lumps form.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Finally, add salt to the sauce according to your taste and stir well. Let the sauce cook for an additional 2-3 minutes before turning off the heat. Your homemade Applebee’s Sweet Asian Chili sauce is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it hot with some crispy fried snacks or use it as a marinade for meats and vegetables.

Cooking Tips

Making your own version of Applebee’s Sweet Asian Chili sauce requires heat and patience! Here are some tips to ensure a successful outcome:

• Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This will help all the flavors blend together better.

• Don’t overcook the sauce. It should be thick and creamy, but not too thick.

• Taste the sauce as you go along so that it is tailored to your desired level of sweetness, spiciness, and tanginess.

• Serve the sauce immediately or store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week.

What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?

If you don’t have all the ingredients mentioned above, you can still make a delicious version of this sauce by making some substitutions.

• You can use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar if you want to go for a healthier option.

• If you don’t have cornflour at home, you can use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder instead.

• If you don’t have vinegar, you can also substitute it with lemon juice.

• Lastly, if you want to reduce the spiciness of the sauce, you can replace the dry chilies with red bell pepper or jalapenos.

Applebee's Sweet Asian Chili Sauce Recipe

Applebee’s Sweet Asian Chili Sauce Recipe

Applebees Sweet Asian Chili sauce is a delicious and flavorful condiment that is pretty much difficult to resist. It is made with various ingredients like garlic, sugar, water, vinegar, and chili peppers. The sauce combines these ingredients to create a sweet and spicy blend of flavors that is perfect for enhancing the taste of many dishes, from stir-fries to salads.
No ratings yet
Print Pin Rate
Author: Lori Walker, MS, RD
Course: sauce
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings
Calories: 50kcal

Equipment

  • Stove Top
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • electric blender
  • Measuring spoons, cups etc.

Ingredients

Sweetening Base:

  • 1/2 tablespoon of granulated sugar adding a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste profile.
  • 1/4 cup of water providing a hydrating and liquid foundation for the sauce.

Thickening Agent:

  • 1/4 tablespoon of cornflour cornstarch acting as a binding agent to create a smooth and luscious texture for the sauce.

Flavorful Elements:

  • 1.5 pieces of dried chili delivering a fiery and spicy kick that tantalizes the taste buds and adds a thrilling element to the dish.
  • 1/2 teaspoon of finely chopped garlic cloves infusing the sauce with a bold and aromatic garlic essence, adding depth and complexity to the flavor.

Tangy Touch:

  • 1/2 tablespoon of water diluting the vinegar slightly and ensuring a balanced tanginess.
  • 1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar contributing a tangy and acidic note that cuts through richness and adds a vibrant zing to the sauce.

Seasoning:

  • Salt precisely measured to taste, providing a savory and well-rounded flavor, enhancing the overall taste and bringing out the best in all other ingredients.

Instructions

  • Heat a pot over medium heat and add water to it. Place the dry chili into the boiling water and let them boil for about 10 minutes or until they become soft.
  • Once the chilies are boiled, remove them from the heat and transfer them to a blender machine. Blend them until they become a paste and keep aside.
  • Take another small bowl and add cornflour to it. Then, add water and mix them well until there are no lumps. Keep aside.
  • In the same pot, add the chili paste, sugar, vinegar and chopped garlic. Cook the mixture over medium heat and stir it continuously for about 10 minutes until it starts to bubble.
  • Now add the cornflour mixture to the pot and mix them together well. Let it cook for another 5-10 minutes or until it thick. Lastly, add salt to the mixture and stir them well. Let the sauce cook for another 2-3 minutes before turning off the heat.
  • Serve your homemade Applebee’s Sweet Asian Chili sauce hot with some crispy fried snacks!

Notes

• Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This will help all the flavors blend together better.
• Don’t overcook the sauce. It should be thick and creamy, but not too thick.
• Taste the sauce as you go along so that it is tailored to your desired level of sweetness, spiciness, and tanginess.
• Serve the sauce immediately or store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week.
Keyword: Applebee’s Sweet Asian Chili Sauce, Applebee’s Sweet Asian Chili Sauce Recipe

Nutrition Information

  • Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
  • Calories: 11 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 2.5g
  • Fat: 0.2g
  • Protein: 0.1g
  • Sodium: 17mg

How to Store Applebee’s sweet asian chili sauce?

You can store your Applebee’s Sweet Asian Chili sauce in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to use it, simply heat it up in a pot over medium heat. If you’re planning to freeze it, make sure to transfer the sauce into smaller containers or ziplock bags before doing so and thaw it out when you’re ready to use it.

FAQs

Can pregnant women eat this? 

Yes, pregnant women can eat this dish as long as they are aware of the ingredients used in it. It is always better to check with your doctor before consuming any food.

Can I use other types of chilies?

Yes, you can use other types of chilies such as jalapenos or red bell peppers to give the sauce a different flavor. However, these chilies will not be as spicy as the dry chilies used in this recipe.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it uses no wheat-based ingredients. However, if you are using a store-bought sauce, then it is best to check the label for any additional ingredients that might contain gluten.

Wrapping Up

Making a homemade version of Applebee’s Sweet Asian Chili sauce is easy and cost-effective. With the right ingredients, you can make a delicious sauce that has all the flavors of the restaurant version but with fewer calories. 

Plus,’s an excellent way to spice up your meals!  Try this recipe today and enjoy a sweet and spicy dinner with friends and family.

However, don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family for them to enjoy this amazing sauce too!  Thank you for your time.

You Might Also Like These Recipes!

Sharing is caring!
Author Profile

My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating