Spice and Sweetness Unite: Florida's Sweet Chilli Pineapple Sauce Recipe

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Sweet Chilli Pineapple Sauce: A Florida-Style Flavor Explosion

When it comes to combining tropical sweetness with a kick of heat, Florida does it best. One of the state's most loved culinary creations is the Sweet Chilli Pineapple Sauce—a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that make any meal stand out. With Florida’s bounty of fresh pineapples, this sauce is a true testament to the Sunshine State’s vibrant and refreshing food scene.

A Tropical Twist with a Spicy Kick

Florida is known for its tropical fruits, especially pineapples. This recipe brings out the best in fresh pineapple juice, combining it with the fiery heat of bird's eye chilies and the tangy bite of vinegar. The result? A versatile sauce that can be used as a dip, marinade, or glaze, adding an exciting twist to anything from seafood to grilled vegetables.

Imagine slathering this sauce on fresh-caught Florida shrimp or using it to glaze grilled chicken at your next beach barbecue. The sweetness of the pineapple cuts through the heat from the chilies, creating a delightful balance that keeps you coming back for more. The combination of flavors is so uniquely Floridian, capturing the essence of the state’s vibrant, sun-soaked lifestyle.

Sweet Chilli Pineapple Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cup pineapple juice
• 1 ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 5 fresh bird's eye chilies, minced or 2 tablespoons chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons corn flour
• 4 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. In a medium pot, combine the pineapple juice, sugar, and vinegar. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add in the soy sauce, minced bird's eye chilies (or chili flakes), minced garlic, and salt. Stir well.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. In a small bowl, mix the corn flour and water until smooth. Gradually add this to the sauce, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Let the sauce simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until it thickens to your liking.
6. Remove from heat and let it cool before transferring to a clean jar or bottle.
7. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy as a dip, marinade, or glaze.

The Perfect Florida Pairing

This Sweet Chilli Pineapple Sauce is a true crowd-pleaser, whether drizzled over grilled fish or used as a dipping sauce for coconut shrimp. It's a refreshing take on traditional sweet chili sauces, but with that extra Floridian twist—tropical pineapple flavors with a punch of heat. Whether you're grilling by the beach or hosting a backyard barbecue, this sauce will bring a taste of Florida sunshine to your table.

To create your Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce, you can use the following simplified recipe, perfect for adding a tropical twist to various dishes. This version highlights the sweetness of pineapple paired with a spicy kick from bird's eye chilies, creating a versatile sauce that works as a dip, glaze, or marinade.

Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cup pineapple juice
• 1 ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 5 bird's eye chilies (minced) or 2 tablespoons chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons corn flour
• 4 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. Combine pineapple juice, sugar, and vinegar in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add soy sauce, minced chilies, garlic, and salt. Stir well and simmer on low heat for about 5 to 7 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3. In a small bowl, mix corn flour and water into a smooth slurry. Gradually add it to the saucepan while stirring to avoid lumps.
4. Cook the mixture for 2 to 3 more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to a clean jar. Store it in the refrigerator, and enjoy it with dishes like grilled chicken, seafood, or roasted vegetables.

This sauce can be customized easily: you can adjust the heat by using fewer or more chilies, or make it more tangy by adding lime juice as some versions suggest​(The flavours of kitchen)​(Closet Cooking). It also pairs beautifully with Florida seafood, grilled meats, or even as a topping for tacos or pizza​(Sandhya Hariharan)​(The Salty Pot ).

For more tips and variations, like making it gluten-free or freezing it for future use, you can explore other helpful sources​(Ball)​(Sandhya Hariharan).