chili sauce: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-HighInformal, Culinary
Quick answer
What does “chili sauce” mean?
A spicy condiment or sauce made primarily from chili peppers, often with additional ingredients like vinegar, garlic, salt, and sometimes tomatoes or sugar.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A spicy condiment or sauce made primarily from chili peppers, often with additional ingredients like vinegar, garlic, salt, and sometimes tomatoes or sugar.
In culinary contexts, refers broadly to any sauce where chili peppers are the dominant flavoring agent, ranging from thin, vinegar-based sauces to thicker, cooked preparations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: In UK contexts, 'chilli sauce' is the dominant spelling. In US contexts, 'chili sauce' (one 'l') is standard, though 'chile sauce' is sometimes used, especially in the Southwest. The UK term can refer to a wider range of hot sauces, while in the US, 'chili sauce' sometimes specifically refers to a slightly sweet, tomato-based condiment used as a cocktail sauce base or in meatloaf.
Connotations
UK: Often associated with global cuisines (Thai, Indian) and generically with heat. US: May have a more specific, sometimes 'domesticated' connotation (e.g., Heinz Chili Sauce) alongside associations with Mexican and Asian cuisines.
Frequency
The phrase is more frequent in US culinary contexts, partly due to the specific product category. In the UK, 'hot sauce' or specific sauce names (e.g., 'sriracha', 'enchilada sauce') might be used with comparable frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “chili sauce” in a Sentence
[to drizzle/brush/pour] chili sauce [over/on something][to mix/blend] chili sauce [with something][to serve] something [with] chili sauce[to add] chili sauce [to something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chili sauce” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Rare as verb) The recipe suggests to 'chilli sauce' the wings before grilling, but this is non-standard.
- He quickly chilli-sauced his noodles.
American English
- (Rare as verb) She likes to chili-sauce her fries for an extra kick.
- The chef demonstrated how to properly chili-sauce the pizza.
adverb
British English
- (Extremely rare/ non-standard) He ate the wings chilli-sauce-ly, with great enthusiasm.
American English
- (Extremely rare/ non-standard) She prepared the dish very chili-sauce, meaning very spicy.
adjective
British English
- A chilli-sauce flavour crisp.
- The chilli-sauce bottle was nearly empty.
- A strong chilli-sauce aroma filled the kitchen.
American English
- A chili-sauce glaze on the ribs.
- The chili-sauce ingredient list was simple.
- He has a chili-sauce collection from around the world.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the context of food manufacturing, import/export, or restaurant supply.
Academic
Rare, except in culinary studies, food history, or anthropology papers discussing foodways.
Everyday
Common in cooking, dining, and grocery shopping contexts. Used when discussing recipes, condiment preferences, or ordering food.
Technical
In food science, regarding Scoville heat units (SHU), pH levels for preservation, or ingredient formulations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chili sauce”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chili sauce”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chili sauce”
- Misspelling: 'chilly sauce' (which would imply a cold sauce). Incorrect countability: 'I want three chili sauces' (acceptable for types) vs. 'I want three chili sauce' (incorrect for the substance). Confusing 'chili sauce' with 'chili' (the stew).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar. 'Chili sauce' often implies a slightly thicker consistency or a specific recipe where chilies are the main ingredient. 'Hot sauce' is a broader term encompassing all spicy liquid condiments. Many products can be called both.
Consistency. Chili sauce is generally pourable, often with a liquid base (vinegar, water). Chili paste is thicker, spreadable, and may have less liquid, sometimes with added oil or seeds.
Most commercial chili sauces, due to their vinegar and salt content, can be stored in the refrigerator after opening for several months. Homemade versions should always be refrigerated and used more quickly.
Not directly. Chili powder is a dry spice blend. Substituting a wet sauce will add liquid, vinegar, and possibly sugar to your recipe, altering the texture and flavor balance. It's better to find a recipe designed for sauce or use a different dry heat source like crushed red pepper.
A spicy condiment or sauce made primarily from chili peppers, often with additional ingredients like vinegar, garlic, salt, and sometimes tomatoes or sugar.
Chili sauce is usually informal, culinary in register.
Chili sauce: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪ.li ˌsɔːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪ.li ˌsɑːs/ (also /ˈtʃi.leɪ/ for 'chile sauce'). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not common; the term is largely literal]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Chili' (the spicy pepper) + 'Sauce' (the liquid you put on food). Imagine the 'i' in 'chili' as a single, fiery pepper.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEAT IS SPICINESS (The sauce is hot); INTENSITY IS HEAT (A heated argument needs no chili sauce).
Practice
Quiz
In a typical US supermarket, which product is most likely to be labeled specifically as 'chili sauce'?