Mae Ploy Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe - Simply Good Cooking (2024)

Thai food lovers can’t get enough of Mae Ploy sweet chili sauce. This popular condiment boasts a delicately balanced sweet and spicy flavor that makes it highly addictive. I simply can’t go a week without using this versatile sauce to add oomph to many dishes.

Lets, learn how to make homemade copycat Mae Ploy Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe!

What is Mae Ploy Sweet Chili Sauce?

Mae Ploy sweet chili sauce originates from Thailand, where it’s a staple condiment on dining tables and street food stalls. As you can tell from its name, this sauce combines chili peppers and sugar to create a unique sweet-spicy taste.

Unlike sriracha with its intense heat or other chili sauces that set your mouth ablaze, Mae Ploy brings a milder spiciness. It rates around 2,500-3,500 on the Scoville scale, while sriracha hits 8,000-17,000. So you get a hint of heat along with sweetness, instead of an all-out assault on your taste buds.

The Mae Ploy company uses a secret recipe to make this sauce, but it likely contains ingredients like:

• Chili peppers – Likely a blend of spicy and mild varieties to create a medium heat level
• Sugar – Balances out the chili spice and gives it sweetness
• Vinegar and salt – Boosts flavor

The consistency of Mae Ploy sauce is like a thin ketchup. It has an orange-red hue from the chili peppers. The aroma is a nice blend of sweet and spicy.

What Does Mae Ploy Sweet Chili Sauce Taste Like?

Mae Ploy Sweet Chili Sauce has a delicious medley of tastes that embody authentic Thai flavors:

• Mild Spicy:You get a mild kick of heat from the blend of Thai bird’s eye chilies. This chili is small but packs quite a punch! The heat hits the palate gently without overpowering other flavors.
• Sweet:Sugar balances the chili heat with a note of natural sweetness. The sweet taste blended with mild spice makes this sauce very versatile.
• Sour:Rice vinegar adds a touch of sourness that brightens up the sauce. This flavor profile is typical of Thai dipping sauces.
• Savory Umami:Garlic, coriander roots and spices give the sauce an underlying savory, almost meaty flavor. This comes from natural glutamates in the ingredients.
• Aromatic:Coriander (cilantro) roots have a unique citrusy aroma that infuses the chili sauce. They add an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Mae Ploy Sweet Chili Sauce

Want to DIY this popular Thai condiment at home? Here is a recipe to make your own version of Mae Ploy sweet chili sauce:

Ingredients Needed

• 5 chili with seeds
• 5 chili without seeds
• 3 pcs. coriander roots, chopped
• 10 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of Vinegar
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1 and 1/2 tsp salt

Equipment

• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Saucepan
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Glass jar or bottle for storage

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chilies

Cut the chili with seeds and another half without seeds. This makes it easier for those who prefer less heat.

Step 2: Prep the coriander Roots

Cut the coriander roots for an added depth of flavor. This also makes it easier to blend later.

Step 3: Blend the Ingredients

In a blender, add the chilies, coriander roots, and garlic. Pour in 1/2 cup of water for a smoother blend.

Step 4: Create the Base

In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, and sugar and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves, it will take 5-7 minutes on medium heat. After that add blended mixture and bring it boil around 3 minutes. Lower the heat and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes to intensify the flavors.

Step 5: Final Touch

Allow the sauce to cool. Once cooled, it’s ready to be enjoyed as a dipping sauce for your favorite appetizers or snacks.

Tips for Best Results

• Use fresh chilies for maximum flavor vibrance. Dried chilies will work too.
• Adjust the number of chili seeds to control desired spice level.
• Let sauce simmer long enough to thicken up nicely.
• Add a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry at the end for an even thicker sauce.
• Store in the refrigerator to keep fresh for weeks.

7 Ways to Use Mae Ploy Sweet Chili Sauce

This versatile Thai sauce can spice up all kinds of savory dishes, snacks and even desserts! Here are some ideas:

• Dipping Sauce:Mix Mae Ploy sauce with a squeeze of lime as a dip for grilled meats, spring rolls or tempura.
• Salad Dressing:Whisk together the chili sauce, lime juice, fish sauce, and olive oil for a Thai vinaigrette.
• Marinade:Combine Mae Ploy with soy sauce, lime, garlic and ginger to marinate chicken, pork or shrimp.
• Sandwich Spread:Slather inside sandwiches or burgers for a spicy kick.
• Meat Glaze:Brush on grilled, roasted or pan-fried meat as a glaze for added flavor.
• Popcorn Topping:Drizzle over freshly popped popcorn with butter for a sweet and spicy snack.
• Fruit Dip:Mix with Greek yogurt for a unique dip for fruit slices like mango, pineapple, apple and berries.

Keeping Your Sweet Chili Sauce Fresher Longer

Making your own Mae Ploy sauce is super easy, but you’ll want to store it properly to enjoy it for weeks to come. Follow these simple tips:

• Stash it in the fridge. Keep that precious sauce chilled in an airtight container. Mason jars work great!
• Freeze for later. Freeze portions in ice cube trays for grab-and-go convenience. Thaw in the fridge before using.
• Keep an eye on it. If the sauce separates, just give it a quick stir to blend. Good as new!
• Label it. Write the name and date on containers before freezing so you know what’s what.
• Don’t skimp on headspace. Leave about 1/2 inch of room at the top of jars or bags before freezing to allow for expansion.

Reheating Your Spicy-Sweet Sauce

Is your Mae Ploy sauce fridge-cold or frozen? Here’s how to revive it:

• Thaw frozen sauce overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Just warm it through.
• If needed, thin with a splash of vinegar or water to get the desired consistency.
• Avoid boiling or you’ll cook off all the delicious flavor!
• Only reheat what you plan to eat. Refrigerate leftovers.
• For food safety, don’t keep reheated sauce at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Mae Ploy Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe FAQs

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Mae Ploy sauce:

Is Mae Ploy sauce spicy?

Yes, Mae Ploy has a mild spiciness from the blend of Thai chilies. The heat level is not extreme, making it enjoyable for those with low spice tolerance. You can control the heat by removing chili seeds.

How do you use Mae Ploy sweet chili sauce?

Use it as a condiment for dipping, add to dressings and marinades, or stir into dishes for flavor. It’s very versatile for grilled meats, spring rolls, stir fries, sandwiches and more.

Is Mae Ploy gluten free?

Yes, Mae Ploy sweet chili sauce does not contain gluten ingredients, so it is considered gluten free. Always check labels to confirm gluten free status when purchasing.

What’s the difference between Mae Ploy and sriracha?

Mae Ploy has a milder heat and more balanced sweet-spicy taste compared to the hotter, more vinegary taste of sriracha. Both impart Thai flavor but Mae Ploy is more versatile as a condiment.

Can I use Mae Ploy sauce in cooking?

Absolutely! Mae Ploy sauce works great stirred into fried rice, noodles, curries, soup, stir fries and more. It infuses dishes with authentic Thai flavor.

What type of chili pepper should I use?

Good options include medium-heat chilies like serrano, jalapeño, Fresno, or Hungarian wax peppers. Tailor the quantity and type to your desired spice level.

Can I use rice vinegar instead of white vinegar?

Yes, rice vinegar substitutes well for a slightly sweeter, mellower acidity. Just use the same 1/2 cup amount.

Is it safe to can this sauce for room temperature storage?

No, this recipe is not formulated to be safely canned. Refrigerate it for storage.

My sauce came out too spicy/sweet/salty. How can I fix it?

You can dilute spiciness with more vinegar and sugar. For sweeter or saltier, add more chili peppers or salt to balance.

What can I do if my sauce is too watery?

Simmer the sauce for longer to reduce and thicken it up to the proper ketchup-like consistency.

Mae Ploy Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

Yield: 12

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Homemade Mae Ploy Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe - an easy 30 minute recipe for the popular Thai sweet chili sauce. Mildly spicy, sweet & tangy!

Ingredients

• 5 chili with seeds
• 5 chili without seeds
• 3 pcs. coriander roots, chopped
• 10 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of Vinegar
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1 and 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chilies: Cut the chili with seeds and another half without seeds. This makes it easier for those who prefer less heat.
   
2. Prep the coriander Roots: Cut the coriander roots for an added depth of flavor. This also makes it easier to blend later.
   
3. Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, add the chilies, coriander roots, and garlic. Pour in 1/2 cup of water for a smoother blend.
   
4. Create the Base: In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, and sugar and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves, it will take 5-7 minutes on medium heat. After that add blended mixture and bring it boil around 3 minutes. Lower the heat and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes to intensify the flavors.
   
5. Final Touch: Allow the sauce to cool. Once cooled, it's ready to be enjoyed as a dipping sauce for your favorite appetizers or snacks.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 2 tbsp
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 70Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 400mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 1gSugar: 14gProtein: 0g

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Conclusion

Mae Ploy Sweet Chili Sauce is the perfect introduction to the delicate balance of spicy, sweet and sour flavors that are integral to Thai cuisine. With a mild heat level and versatile taste, this sauce can spruce up everything from grilled meats to salad dressings. Keep a bottle handy in your fridge to add a touch of Thai magic anytime!

I hope this article has helped you understand what makes Mae Ploy sauce so special. Try out my easy homemade Mae Ploy Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe or use the store-bought version to add its signature sweet-spicy taste to your cooking and snacking.