Prepare the Sauce

• In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of rice vinegar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar completely. This mixture will form the base of your sweet chili sauce.
• Add 1/4 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the saucepan. Stir to combine all the ingredients. The ketchup will add a nice color and depth of flavor.
• In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce.
• Bring the mixture in the saucepan to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This step is crucial as it activates the flavors and ensures even heating.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
• Add 1-2 teaspoons of red chili flakes according to your heat preference, and stir in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty flavor. Mix well.
• Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before transferring it to a glass jar or bottle for storage.