Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
Hot Honey BBQ Sauce is a flavorful blend of sweet honey, tangy BBQ sauce, and spicy heat. It combines the richness of traditional BBQ with a kick of spice and sweetness, perfect for glazing meats, dipping, or adding extra zest to grilled dishes. Ideal for bold flavor lovers.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Small bowl (optional, for mixing dry ingredients)
- Storage jar or bottle (for storing the sauce)
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup honey floral note
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard enhances the flavor profile
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp celery salt
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp coriander
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper adjust based on spice preference
Instructions
Combine the Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and molasses. Stir well to combine.
Add the Spices:
- Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, celery salt, chili flakes, coriander, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
Simmer:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Allow the sauce to cook for about 10–15 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer more heat, add more cayenne or chili flakes. If you want more sweetness, add a bit more honey or sugar. Stir again to mix any adjustments.
Cool and Store:
- Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly before using. If not using immediately, transfer the sauce to a jar or bottle and refrigerate. It will keep for about 1–2 weeks.
Notes
1. Adjust Sweetness and Heat:
The balance between sweet and spicy is key to a great BBQ sauce. If you like a sweeter sauce, you can always add more honey or brown sugar. For more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or chili flakes. Taste and adjust as you go to find your perfect balance!
2. Thickening Tip:
If your sauce doesn’t thicken to the desired consistency, let it simmer a little longer on low heat. The sugar and molasses will help the sauce thicken as it cooks, but patience is key. If needed, you can also add a small cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) to help it thicken faster.
3. Storage and Shelf Life:
Store your Hot Honey BBQ Sauce in an airtight container or bottle in the refrigerator. It will last for about 1–2 weeks. For longer storage, consider canning it or freezing it in portions (up to 3 months), though the flavor may slightly change after freezing.