Mediterranean Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce
This Mediterranean-inspired Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce blends the bold heat of chili peppers with the natural sweetness of pineapple for a tangy, vibrant condiment. It’s a versatile sauce that works beautifully as a glaze for grilled meats, a dipping sauce for appetizers, or a drizzle over roasted vegetables. With its balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, this sauce brings a refreshing Mediterranean brightness with tropical flair.
Time: 20–25 minutes
Ingredients
Pineapple: 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely chopped, or ½ cup crushed pineapple
Liquid: 1 cup pineapple juice + ½ cup water
Sweetener: 1 cup sugar or ¾ cup sugar + ¼ cup honey
Acidity: ¼ cup white vinegar + 1 tbsp lemon juice
Chilies: 2 fresh cayenne chilies (or 1–2 tsp chili flakes)
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Ginger: 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
Soy Sauce: 2 tbsp
Salt: ½ tbsp
Thickener (optional): 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
Instructions
Cook the aromatics: In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional). Add minced garlic, ginger, and chilies. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the base: Stir in pineapple, pineapple juice, water, sugar (and/or honey), vinegar, lemon juice, soy sauce, and salt. Bring to a boil.
Simmer: Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the liquid reduces slightly.
Thicken (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2–3 minutes until glossy and smooth.
Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust with more chili for heat, vinegar for tang, or sugar/honey for sweetness.
Cool & store: Let cool, then transfer to a sterilized jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Tips & Variations
Chili Heat Levels: Adjust spice by using milder chilies (like red jalapeños) for gentle heat or bird’s eye chilies for a fiery kick. Chili flakes are easier to control.
Texture Choices: For a smooth sauce, blend after cooking. For a chunkier texture, leave pineapple bits as they are.
Mediterranean Twist: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme while simmering for herbal depth. Remove before storing.
Citrus Boost: Swap lemon juice with lime juice for extra brightness or add a bit of orange zest for a Mediterranean citrus note.
Sweetener Options: Try honey or date syrup instead of sugar for a more natural sweetness.
Serving Ideas:
Drizzle over grilled chicken, lamb skewers, or shrimp.
Use as a dip for pita bread, falafel, or roasted veggies.
Brush over roasted eggplant or zucchini for a sweet-spicy glaze.
Toss with couscous or bulgur for a sweet-spicy side dish.
Make Ahead: Sauce thickens as it cools. If it becomes too thick, stir in a splash of water or pineapple juice before serving.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this sauce less spicy?
A: Yes. Use mild red chilies or reduce the amount of chili flakes. You can also balance heat with extra honey or sugar.
Q: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely. Just use canned pineapple packed in juice (not syrup) for the best flavor.
Q: How long does this sauce keep?
A: It will last up to 2 weeks in the fridge in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it in small portions.
Q: Can I use this as a marinade?
A: Yes. It works well as a marinade for chicken, fish, or tofu. The acidity from the vinegar and pineapple helps tenderize.
Q: How do I make it gluten-free?
A: Simply replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Nutrition
(per 2-tablespoon serving, approx. 20 servings)
Calories: ~50
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: <1g
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 100mg
(Values are approximate and depend on whether you use honey, sugar, or both.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. With the freshness of pineapple, the warmth of ginger and chili, and a touch of Mediterranean brightness from citrus and herbs, it’s versatile enough for glazing meats, drizzling over vegetables, or serving as a dip. Naturally adaptable to different diets, it’s a sauce you’ll want to keep on hand to bring life to simple meals.