Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce Recipe
The Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce is a fiery and bold condiment that brings intense heat and smoky flavor to your dishes. Made with the notorious ghost pepper, it adds a spicy kick to grilled meats, burgers, and even veggies. Perfect for those who love a heat-packed sauce!
Equipment
- Cutting board
- knife
- Medium saucepan
- Stirring spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Gloves (for handling the ghost pepper)
- Jar or container for storing the sauce
Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ripe ghost pepper finely minced (be sure to wear gloves!)
- 1 tablespoon honey for sweetness
- 1 cup tomato ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 cup water add more to adjust consistency
- A pinch of salt to taste
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients:
- Finely chop the yellow onion, mince the garlic, and carefully handle the ghost pepper by wearing gloves. Mince the ghost pepper and set aside.
Cook Aromatics:
- In a medium saucepan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the Ghost Pepper:
- Carefully add the minced ghost pepper to the saucepan. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring the pepper’s heat is incorporated into the sauce base.
Mix in Wet Ingredients:
- Stir in the honey, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and molasses. Mix until well combined.
Season the Sauce:
- Add the brown sugar, ground ginger, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder to the saucepan. Stir everything together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture starts to thicken slightly.
Adjust Consistency:
- Add water a little at a time, stirring continuously, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. If you like it thicker, use less water. If you prefer it more liquid, add a little more.
Simmer and Thicken:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Taste and Adjust:
- Taste your sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, more honey for sweetness, or more vinegar for tang, if desired.
Cool and Store:
- Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have blended, remove from heat and let it cool. Store it in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Notes
Ghost peppers are incredibly spicy, so be sure to wear gloves when chopping them. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, while handling them. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the peppers.
If you find the sauce too hot, you can balance the heat with more honey or a bit of cream or butter. This will soften the spiciness and give you a more balanced BBQ sauce.