Homemade Red Chili BBQ Sauce Recipe

I first made this Homemade Red Chili BBQ Sauce Recipe a while back, and I was so impressed by how delicious it turned out! The combination of smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors really made it stand out.

I confirmed it was a hit when I used it for a backyard BBQ, and everyone loved it. Homemade BBQ sauce is always a better choice than store-bought because you can adjust the flavors to your liking and avoid unnecessary preservatives.

The taste of this sauce, once made, is perfect—rich, tangy, and with just the right amount of heat. It’s a great option for anyone who enjoys bold flavors and can be used on meats, veggies, or as a dipping sauce.

It truly stays fresh and flavorful for days, making it a perfect addition to any meal.

How To Prepare Red Chili BBQ Sauce Recipe?

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Course: Condiment/Sauce
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cuisine: American
• Yield: 2 cups of BBQ sauce

Kitchen Utensils Needed:

• Saucepan
• Stirring spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and chopping board (if needed for ingredient prep)

Ingredients

• 1 cup of ketchup (preferably organic)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp of brown sugar (adjust for sweetness)
• 1 tbsp red chili paste or crushed dried red chili flakes
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/4 cup water (you may need more for desired consistency)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: A pinch of cayenne pepper if you like extra heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, pour in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Stir them together until fully combined.

Step 2: Add Sweetness and Spice

Add the brown sugar, red chili paste (or crushed dried chili flakes), smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to the saucepan. Mix everything well, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the spices to begin infusing into the sauce.

Step 3: Adjust Consistency

Now, add the water to the mixture. Stir and check the consistency. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add a little more water until it reaches your preferred thickness.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Turn the heat to low-medium, and let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes. Stir it occasionally to ensure that it doesn’t burn or stick to the bottom of the pan. The sauce should thicken and develop a rich, deep flavor as it simmers.

Step 5: Season and Taste Test

Once the sauce has thickened, give it a taste. You might need to adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt, pepper, or a little extra brown sugar for sweetness. For those who love extra heat, this is the time to add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness and flavor profile, remove it from the heat and let it cool down. Transfer the sauce to a clean jar or bottle. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Special Note

If you’re not into overly spicy food, you can always adjust the amount of red chili paste or chili flakes. The beauty of making your own BBQ sauce is that it’s customizable! For a milder version, simply reduce the chili and add a bit more brown sugar for a sweeter profile.

You can also experiment with different types of vinegar. Apple cider vinegar gives it a nice tang, but balsamic vinegar adds a deeper, slightly sweeter flavor. If you love a bit of smoky flavor, you can even try adding some liquid smoke for an extra punch!

Nutrition Facts Red Chili BBQ Sauce Recipe

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Total Fat: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Protein: 0 g

Why You’ll Love This Red Chili BBQ Sauce Recipe

You’ll love this Homemade Red Chili BBQ Sauce Recipe because it perfectly balances bold spice and smoky sweetness in every bite.

It’s quick and easy to make, with no preservatives or artificial ingredients, giving you a fresh, flavorful alternative to store-bought sauces.

Whether you prefer it spicy or mild, this versatile sauce enhances everything from grilled meats to veggie dishes, making it a must-have for your BBQ and grilling needs.

Once you try it, it’s sure to become your go-to sauce for every cookout!

Best Serving Ideas

This Homemade Red Chili BBQ Sauce Recipe is perfect for brushing on grilled chicken. I love adding it right before the last few minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to caramelize slightly on the skin.

It adds a burst of flavor that’s smoky, spicy, and sweet all at once. Another great way to use this Homemade Red Chili BBQ Sauce Recipe is on pork ribs.

Apply the sauce generously and let it cook on the grill for a few minutes until it gets all sticky and delicious. You can even serve extra sauce on the side for dipping!

This Homemade Red Chili BBQ Sauce Recipe isn’t just for meat! I love brushing it over veggie skewers, especially mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. It adds a fantastic kick to grilled vegetables and makes them taste extraordinary.

Tips For The Perfect Red Chili BBQ Sauce

1. Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili flakes depending on how spicy you want your sauce. Start with less if you’re unsure and taste-test as you go.

2. Smokiness: Smoked paprika gives the sauce a unique smoky flavor, but if you prefer a more subtle taste, you can use regular paprika instead.

3. Consistency: If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend it with an immersion blender or in a regular blender until silky and creamy.

4. Versatility: This Red Chili BBQ Sauce is perfect for grilling and can be used as a marinade for meats or veggies, a dipping sauce, or simply brushed onto your BBQ dishes for a burst of flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

To store leftovers of your homemade Homemade Red Chili BBQ Sauce Recipe, simply let it cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container or jar.

Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Make sure the lid is tightly sealed to maintain its freshness.

If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze the sauce in small portions using freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label the container with the date for easy reference!

Conclusion

This Homemade Red Chili BBQ Sauce Recipe has been a game-changer for me. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy, and it enhances every grilled dish I make.

Whether you’re having a BBQ with friends or just cooking dinner for yourself, this sauce will be the star of the show.

Best of all, it’s easy to make and can be stored in your fridge for weeks—though I doubt it will last that long!

So, next time you’re craving that zesty, fiery kick to your meal, give this homemade Homemade Red Chili BBQ Sauce Recipe a try.

I promise, once you’ve tasted it, you’ll never go back to the store-bought versions. Enjoy, and happy cooking!

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