In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, vinegar, water, garlic and salt and stir well. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a rolling boil.

Stir well, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle, active boil and cook for 30 minutes, until thinckened to a clear, slightly golden syrup, thicker than maple syrup, but thinner than honey.

Remove from the heat, stir in chili garlic sauce or dried red chilies and cool to room temperature.

Note: you may substitute coarsely ground dried red chili peppers for the chili garlic sauce.