This sweet and spicy mango sauce is an aromatic fusion of flavors. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a versatile condiment, deliciously served with grilled meats, seafood, veggies, and more.
When it comes to food, there are two things that I always get excited about - citrus fruits and something spicy! So, if you are a mango fan like me (Hello, vitamin C!) and love a hot companion, this spicy mango sauce is for you.
And like with all my recipes, I am not making a science out of it and include tons of ingredients to make it fancy and complicated. I like to play around with just a few ingredients and create easy recipes everybody can make at home. Did I deliver? Try this easy recipe, and let me know in the comments.
Like a mango treat? Try this tropical mango banana smoothie for a nourishing and delicious breakfast or snack.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Versatile condiment – Enhance grilled meats, add flavor to salads, or create an unforgettable dipping sauce with this hot mango sauce. It complements a wide range of dishes and adds an exciting touch.
- Easy and quick – With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this spicy mango sauce in 15 minutes.
- Healthy ingredients – Mangoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and chili peppers are known for their metabolism-boosting properties. This sauce not only delights your palate but also provides potential health benefits.
- Customizable heat level – Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your desired level to your personal heat tolerance.
- Impressive for guests – Hosting a gathering? This sauce adds a touch of sophistication to your spread.
Ingredient notes
- Mango – Opt for ripe and fragrant mangoes for the best flavor.
- Chili peppers – The type of chili peppers will influence the heat level and flavor of the mango sauce. If you prefer mild heat, use red bell peppers or Anaheim peppers. For medium heat, you can use red jalapenos or Fresno peppers. For a spicier kick, use habaneros or bird’s eye chilli.
- Fresh garlic – Adjust the quantity based on your preference for garlic intensity.
- Curry powder – I used a mild curry variety in this recipe. But you can choose your favorite curry powder blend for extra flavor.
- Salt – Use good quality salt, such as sea or kosher salt, and adjust the quantity to your liking.
- Apple cider vinegar – Choose a high-quality, unfiltered apple cider vinegar for the best flavor. It provides tanginess and balances the sweetness of the mango.
Tips & substitutions
- Blending consistency – The consistency of your sauce depends on personal preference. For a smoother sauce, blend until completely smooth. For a chunkier texture, blend briefly, leaving small mango pieces for added texture.
- Adjust heat level – Leave the chili out for a milder flavor. If you prefer more heat, experiment with different chili pepper varieties to find your preferred level of spiciness.
- Vinegar options – If you don't have apple cider vinegar, use white or rice vinegar. Each type of vinegar will impart a slightly different flavor.
- Additional flavors – Feel free to get creative by adding ingredients like lime juice for extra tanginess, grated ginger for a zesty twist, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat.
How to make sweet and spicy mango sauce
Step 1: Peel, pit, and dice the ripe mangoes. Set aside. Roughly chop the red chili peppers and garlic cloves. Use gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after handling chili peppers.
Step 2: Transfer the mango, chili, garlic, curry powder, and salt to a blender.
Step 3: Blend until smooth. Alternatively, you can use a food processor to blend the mango sauce.
Step 4: In a saucepan, heat the pureed mango sauce. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Pour in the apple cider vinegar and stir to combine. Add a bit of water if the sauce is too thick. Cook longer if the sauce is too thin.
Step 6: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mango sauce cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to a clean glass jar or airtight container or serve it right away.
Expert tip
To achieve a silky-smooth finish, strain the blended sauce through a fine-mesh sieve. This step removes any fibrous bits or chili seeds, resulting in a velvety sauce.
What to serve with mango sauce
This sweet and spicy mango sauce is a versatile condiment that pairs well with various dishes. Here are my suggestions:
- Grilled meats – Use the mango hot sauce as a glaze or dipping sauce for grilled chicken, pork, shrimp, or beef. The sweet and spicy combination complements the savory flavors beautifully. Or, serve the mango sauce with this coconut curry poached chicken for an extra flavor boost.
- Tacos and burritos – Drizzle mango sauce over these harissa chicken tortilla wraps. The sauce adds a refreshing contrast to the savory fillings.
- Salads – Add a tropical twist to this Asian smashed cucumber salad, or stone fruit salad. Use the sweet and spicy mango sauce as an additional topping.
- Fish & seafood – Pair the mango sauce with fish or shrimp. The fruity sweetness and spice complement the delicate flavors of seafood.
- Rice or grain bowls – Drizzle the mango sauce over rice or grain bowls like this salmon teriyaki bowl for a burst of flavor.
- Stir-fries – Add a spoonful of mango sauce to vegetable or protein stir-fries during the last moments of cooking. The sauce will coat the ingredients and provide a zesty kick.
- Desserts – For a unique twist, use mango sauce as a topping for desserts like this peanut butter banana nice cream or panna cotta. The fruity-spicy combination provides an unexpected and delightful contrast.
Recipe FAQs
Cutting a mango can be a challenge. To make it easier, I researched a little and found this guide very helpful.
Yes! Just leave out the chili for a citrusy creamy sauce without the heat.
Store the finished sauce in a clean, airtight glass jar and put it in the refrigerator. It should keep for a few weeks.
To extend the shelf life, sterilize your glass jars before filling them. This helps prevent spoilage over time.
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📖 Recipe
Sweet and Spicy Mango Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 ripe mangos
- 1 chili
- 1 garlic clove
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Peel, pit, and dice the ripe mangoes. Set aside. Roughly chop the red chili peppers and garlic cloves. Use gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after handling chili peppers.
- Transfer the mango, chili, garlic, curry powder, and salt to a blender and blend until smooth. Alternatively, you can use a food processor.
- In a saucepan, heat the pureed mango sauce. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar and stir to combine. Add a bit of water if the sauce is too thick. Cook longer if the sauce is too thin.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mango sauce cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to a clean glass jar or airtight container or serve it right away.
Notes
- Blending consistency – The consistency of your sauce depends on personal preference. For a smoother sauce, blend until completely smooth. For a chunkier texture, blend briefly, leaving small mango pieces for added texture.
- Adjust heat level – Leave the chili out for a milder flavor. If you prefer more heat, experiment with different chili pepper varieties to find your preferred level of spiciness.
- Vinegar options – If you don't have apple cider vinegar, use white or rice vinegar. Each type of vinegar will impart a slightly different flavor.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only calculated with the recipe calorie and nutrition calculator provided by verywellfit.com. The author of this website is not a nutritionist nor a doctor. All nutritional data provided in the recipes and correspondent blog posts are for informational purposes only. Do not use the information as nutritional or medical advice.
Simone says
This Mango Hot Sauce goes with everything. Even when I am making a rice and veggie bowl I am putting it on it.
Yvonne says
Such a great idea Simone. I have to try to put it on veggie bowls as well!!
Stefanie says
I made this with just the salt, garlic, mango and jalapeños...but I used 1 mango and 8 jalapeños *with* the seeds. So delicious!
Yvonne says
Thanks so much for your feedback Stefanie. So happy you love the sauce!