Spicy Sweet BBQ Sauce Recipe
This Spicy Sweet BBQ Sauce is a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Combining tangy vinegar, smoky spices, and a touch of sweetness, it adds bold flavor to your favorite grilled meats. It’s versatile, easy to make, and ideal for those who love a flavorful kick!
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Spoon or whisk
- Knife and chopping board (for garlic and onion)
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 2 tbsp honey or more for added sweetness
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper adjust for desired spice level
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp butter or ghee or any neutral cooking fat
- ¼ cup finely chopped sweet onion red or yellow onion are fine too
- 2 tsp ground chipotle chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the butter or ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, honey, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and chipotle chili powder to the saucepan. Stir everything together until well combined.
Simmer the Sauce:
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors can meld and the sauce thickens. If you want a thicker consistency, simmer a bit longer.
Season and Adjust:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt, more honey (for sweetness), or cayenne (for heat) as desired.
Finish and Serve:
- Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove from heat. Let it cool slightly before serving with your favorite BBQ dishes. Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.