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This sweet and spicy dipping sauce is the perfect match for crispy coconut shrimp, but it’s just as tasty with chicken tenders, fried shrimp, or even egg rolls. It’s the kind of sauce you’ll want to keep on hand for quick appetizers and party platters.
The sauce comes together in minutes using pantry staples like apricot preserves and vinegar, plus crushed pineapple and a spoonful of sambal or chili garlic sauce for heat. You can adjust the spice to taste, and a sprinkle of cilantro gives it a fresh pop if you like.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Fast and easy. Just stir a few ingredients together—no cooking required.
Perfect for appetizers. Ideal dip for coconut shrimp, chicken tenders, or fried snacks.
Sweet, tangy, and spicy. Balanced flavors with just the right kick of heat.
Ingredient Notes
- Apricot preserves: Provides the sweet and sticky base for the sauce.
- Crushed pineapple: Adds texture and fruity flavor—use canned (drained) or fresh, finely chopped.
- Rice vinegar: Adds tanginess to balance the sweetness.
- Chili garlic paste or sambal: Brings the heat. Use more or less depending on your preference.
- Cilantro (optional): Adds a bit of color and freshness if desired.
Steps to Make Sweet and Spicy Dipping Sauce
- Combine apricot preserves, crushed pineapple, rice vinegar, and chili paste in a small bowl.
- Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Add chopped cilantro, if using, or garnish each serving with a sprinkle on top.
Tips for Sweet and Spicy Dipping Sauce
- For a smoother sauce, pulse the ingredients in a food processor.
- Adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili sauce.
- Make it ahead—this sauce keeps well in the fridge and gets better as it sits.
- Use it as a glaze for grilled chicken or fish in addition to serving as a dip.
Recipe Variations
- Peach preserves. Substitute peach for apricot for a slightly different fruit profile.
- No pineapple. Leave out the pineapple for a smooth, sweeter sauce.
- Extra heat. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Ginger twist. Stir in ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger for extra zing.
- Lime finish. Add a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with coconut shrimp, chicken tenders, or battered fish.
- Use as a dip for egg rolls, spring rolls, or fried wontons.
- Spoon over grilled chicken or pork as a sweet-spicy glaze.
- Add to party platters for dipping or drizzling.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store the sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 7 days.
Before serving: Stir well before using, as ingredients may separate slightly over time.
Freeze: Not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Sweet and Spicy Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup apricot preserves
- ¼ cup crushed pineapple , drained, or finely chopped pineapple slices or fresh
- 1 ½ tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp chili garlic paste, sambal, or Thai chili sauce (or more, to taste)
- ¼ to ½ tsp finely chopped cilantro, optional
Instructions
- Combine the preserves, pineapple, vinegar, and chili garlic paste in a small bowl. Blend thoroughly.
- If desired, add chopped cilantro, or divide the dip among smaller bowls and top each with a bit of chopped cilantro.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
