Siomai lovers will love to make this familiar chili garlic sauce at home! To make chili garlic for siomai, you only need a few spices and seasonings.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chili garlic oil recipe is beginner-friendly and healthy. The ingredients are easy to find since they are pantry ingredients. With just some spices, neutral oil, and low heat, you get your chili garlic oil. No complicated steps are necessary, too. In no time, you have a spicy, flavorful condiment for your meal.
Read on to learn how to make chili garlic for siomai at home. You can use it in most of your rice, soup, noodle dishes, and stir-fries. No wonder this will become your favorite homemade sauce!
The Story Behind Chili Garlic
Both the sauce and siomai have Chinese roots. Filipinos almost always serve them as a pair. It has become a favorite street food in the Philippines.
Where Chili Garlic for Siomai Comes From
Chili and garlic condiments have long been used in Asian cuisines. Different versions may include aromatic spices like star anise. But no one person is credited with creating it.
When is this Dish Typically Enjoyed?
Filipinos enjoy siomai with chili garlic all year! Street food carts usually have siomai and chili garlic ready for serving at night. Others have it at family gatherings and parties.
This sauce can be enjoyed with other dishes, too! You can keep the jar in the fridge for any time you need some.
Ingredients
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- oil
- garlic
- red and green chilies
- soy sauce
- tomato paste
- salt
- brown sugar
- water
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Cook the Garlic and Chilies
Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Then, add the garlic and chilies.
Cook for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Seasonings
Next, add the soy sauce, tomato paste, salt, and brown sugar to the pan.
Then, stir well and cook for about 1 minute.
Simmer the Chili Garlic
Pour in enough water to cover the mixture, then bring it to a boil.
Lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thick and the oil starts to separate.
Finish and Serve
Finally, taste and adjust the salt, sugar, or chilies as needed.
Let it cool, then transfer to a clean airtight container and refrigerate.
Substitutions & Variations
- Ingredient Swap
If no fresh chilis are available, use dried ones. Labuyo also works. - Variation
For a slightly tangy sauce, add a splash of vinegar near the end of cooking. You can also add bay leaves for extra aroma. - Mistake to Avoid
Make sure not to cook the garlic over high heat. They turn bitter when burned quickly.
Homemade garlic mixtures containing oil and water should not be stored at room temperature.
Storage Tip
- Transfer the cooled-down dish into a clean, airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. Use it within about 5 to 7 days for the best quality and safety. Make sure to always use a clean, dry spoon when serving.
- For longer storage, freeze small portions for up to 2 to 3 months. The texture may soften slightly after thawing, but the flavor should still work well in cooked dishes. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.
FAQs
How to Make Chili Garlic for Siomai
Ingredients
- ½ cup oil
- 1 cup garlic minced
- ½ cup red and green chilies minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon salt or to taste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- water enough to cover the mixture
Instructions
Cook the Garlic and Chilies
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Then add the garlic and chilies, and cook for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Seasonings
- Next, add the soy sauce, tomato paste, salt, and brown sugar.
- Stir well and cook for about 1 minute.
Simmer the Chili Garlic
- Pour in enough water to cover the mixture, then bring it to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thick and the oil starts to separate.
Finish and Serve
- Finally, taste and adjust the salt, sugar, or chilies as needed.
- Let it cool, then transfer to a clean airtight container and refrigerate.
Watch The Recipe Video!
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Recipes for Every Moment
Got cravings for siomai or noodles? Prepare your perfect sauce with this homemade chili garlic. With simple pantry staples, you get the savory kick you need to enjoy your meal!
Ching says
I love how simple this garlic chili sauce is. I'll try to make it at home! Thanks for sharing this recipe. 🙂