Chili Mint Sauce

Chili Mint Sauce Recipe - Minty and Spicy Sauce for Any Dish

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chili Mint Sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment that can be used to add a burst of freshness and heat to a variety of dishes. This sauce is perfect for drizzling over grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or dumplings.

History

Chili Mint Sauce is a popular condiment in many Asian cuisines, particularly in Thai and Vietnamese cooking. The combination of fresh mint, spicy chili, and tangy vinegar creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that pairs well with a wide range of dishes.

Ingredients

0.33 cup of fresh mint leaves (packed)
0.25 cup of rice vinegar
3 tbsp of light corn syrup
2 minced garlic cloves
2 tbsp of water
1 tbsp of reduced sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp of oriental sesame oil
a generous pinch of dried crushed red pepper

How to prepare

Blend all the ingredients in a blender until smooth.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
Allow it to stand at room temperature for 1 hour. (It can also be prepared a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bring to room temperature)

Variations

Add a squeeze of lime juice for extra tanginess.
Substitute honey for the corn syrup for a natural sweetener.
Add a tablespoon of fish sauce for a more savory flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh mint leaves for the best flavor in this sauce.

- Adjust the amount of chili pepper to suit your taste preferences.

- Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Chili Mint Sauce with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. It also makes a great dipping sauce for spring rolls or summer rolls.

Cooking Techniques

Blending

Ingredient Substitutions

Use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar instead of rice vinegar.

- Substitute honey or maple syrup for the corn syrup.

- Use olive oil or vegetable oil instead of sesame oil.

Make Ahead Tips

This Chili Mint Sauce can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chili Mint Sauce in a small bowl or ramekin, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint leaves.

Pairing Recommendations

This sauce pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables. It also complements dishes with Asian flavors, such as stir-fries or noodle dishes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chili Mint Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 60

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 8g

Dietary Fiber: 0.5g

Sugars: 5g

Fats

Total Fat: 2g

Saturated Fat: 0.3g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 0.5g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 5%

Vitamin C: 3%

Calcium: 1%

Iron: 2%

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

This Chili Mint Sauce is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy addition to your meals. It is also a good source of vitamin A and C.

Summary

Chili Mint Sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that adds a fresh and spicy kick to a variety of dishes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this flavorful sauce to elevate your meals.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Chili Mint Sauce. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in the countryside. My aunt was known for her delicious cooking, and I always looked forward to the meals she would prepare for us.

One day, as I was helping my aunt gather ingredients for dinner, I noticed a small, weathered notebook tucked away in a corner of her kitchen. Curious, I picked it up and flipped through the pages. To my surprise, I found a handwritten recipe for Chili Mint Sauce.

Intrigued by the combination of spicy chili peppers and fresh mint, I asked my aunt about the recipe. She smiled and told me that it was a family secret, passed down from generation to generation. She explained that the sauce was a staple in their household, used to add a burst of flavor to everything from grilled meats to salads.

Eager to learn more, I begged my aunt to show me how to make the sauce. She agreed, and together we gathered the ingredients – fresh mint leaves, spicy red chili peppers, garlic, lime juice, and a touch of sugar. As we chopped and mixed, my aunt shared stories of how she had learned the recipe from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her.

After simmering the sauce on the stove for a few minutes, the kitchen was filled with a tantalizing aroma of mint and chili. My mouth watered in anticipation as my aunt poured the sauce into a small jar, ready to be served with our dinner that evening.

As we sat down to eat, I dipped a piece of grilled chicken into the Chili Mint Sauce and took a bite. The combination of flavors was like nothing I had ever tasted before – spicy, tangy, and refreshing all at once. I was hooked.

From that day on, I made it my mission to perfect the recipe for Chili Mint Sauce. I experimented with different ratios of ingredients, adjusting the heat of the chili peppers and the sweetness of the sugar until I found the perfect balance. I made the sauce for every family gathering and dinner party, earning praise and requests for the recipe from friends and relatives alike.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with anyone who asked, passing on the tradition of Chili Mint Sauce to a new generation. I taught my daughters how to make it, and they in turn taught their children. The sauce became a beloved family heirloom, bringing us together around the dinner table year after year.

As I look back on that day in my aunt's kitchen, discovering the recipe for Chili Mint Sauce, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary traditions that have been passed down through my family. These recipes are more than just ingredients and measurements – they are a connection to my past, a way to honor the generations that came before me.

And so, every time I make a batch of Chili Mint Sauce, I do so with love and reverence for the women who taught me how to cook, how to savor the flavors of the past, and how to create new memories around the dinner table. This recipe is more than just a sauce – it is a story, a tradition, a legacy that I am proud to carry on.