Red Chili BBQ Sauce Recipe
Red Chili BBQ Sauce offers a spicy, smoky flavor with the heat of red chilies, complemented by a tangy base of tomato, vinegar, and brown sugar. This sauce adds a bold kick to grilled meats like ribs, chicken, and pork, perfect for those who enjoy a fiery BBQ experience.
Equipment
- 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
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.
Notes
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!