Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce is a fiery barbecue sauce combining the intense heat of ghost peppers with sweet, smoky, and tangy flavour for a bold, spicy kick.
Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce delivers a deep, layered heat that transforms everyday meals into bold, unforgettable dishes.
After making it myself, I discovered its ability to elevate grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and even slow cooked beans with a fiery twist balanced by sweetness.
The intensity of the ghost pepper blends harmoniously with smoky and tangy notes, making it more than just a hot sauce it’s a rich, complex foundation. Its bold profile complements diverse flavour, creating standout dishes that surprise and satisfy.
Why You Will Choose Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce?
Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce delivers bold, unapologetic flavour that commands attention. Each bite carries rich sweetness layered beneath intense heat, creating a rush that excites the senses.
Deep smoky undertones round out the profile, elevating any dish it touches. This sauce isn’t for the timid it’s made for those who crave something daring and unforgettable.
From the first stir to the final taste, it brings a sense of adventure to the table, turning simple meals into powerful, flavour driven experiences worth remembering.
How To Prepare Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Condiment / Sauce
Cuisine: American (Southern BBQ-inspired)
Yield: Approximately 6 cups of sauce
Equipment Needed
- Cutting board and knife
- Gloves (for handling ghost peppers)
- Medium saucepan
- Blender or immersion blender
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight jars or bottles for storage
Ingredients
- 2 medium ghost peppers (use gloves when handling!)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups Brite Harbor Target BBQ Sauce (or any base BBQ sauce)
Instructions
1. Wear gloves! Remove stems from the ghost peppers. You can remove seeds for slightly less heat (optional). Roughly chop. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped ghost peppers and saute for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant. Be cautious the fumes can be intense.
2. Add ketchup, water, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, brown sugar (both portions), molasses, and honey. Stir to combine. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
3. Add the Brit Harbour Target BBQ Sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until fully incorporated. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly.
4. Carefully transfer the sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Let it cool slightly before blending to avoid splatter.
5. Taste the sauce. Adjust salt or sugar if needed. You can also add more ghost pepper if you’re brave! Let the sauce cool completely. Transfer to sterilised jars or bottles.
Special Note
This sauce is very spicy perfect for heat lovers. I recommend starting with one ghost pepper and tasting the sauce before adding the second. Wear gloves.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 40 kcal |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
| Carbohydrate | 9 g |
| Sugars | 7 g |
| Protein | 0.2 g |
Serving Suggestions Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce
1. Brush it over grilled ribs during the final minutes of cooking for a sticky, fiery glaze.
2. Drizzle onto smoked brisket to cut through richness and add bold contrast.
3. Mix into pulled pork for a spicy twist that wakes up each bite.
4. Serve as a dipping sauce for crispy chicken tenders or fried cauliflower.
5. onto burgers or sandwiches to deliver a punch of heat that elevates every layer.
How To Make Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce Tastier?
Enhancing the flavor of Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce involves layering ingredients that complement and balance its intense heat.
Introducing a splash of smoky chipotle or a hint of roasted garlic can deepen the savory notes, while a touch of fresh lime juice brightens the overall profile.
Experimenting with different types of sweeteners, such as maple syrup or molasses, adds complexity and richness.
Letting the sauce rest for several hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld and intensify. Finally, tasting and adjusting seasoning gradually ensures the heat remains bold without overpowering the other elements.
Expert Tips
➢ Chop ghost peppers very finely to ensure the heat spreads evenly throughout the sauce.
➢ Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to introduce brightness and balance the intense spiciness.
➢ Incorporate smoked paprika or a small amount of liquid smoke to give the sauce a deep, smoky flavor that enhances the heat.
➢ Stir the sauce regularly while simmering to prevent it from sticking or burning, ensuring consistent texture and flavor.
➢ Let the sauce rest for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop and blend together.
Storage & Make Ahead
Store Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce in clean, airtight glass jars or bottles to preserve freshness and flavor. Keep it refrigerated, where it will stay good for up to three weeks.
For longer storage, freeze in small portions using freezer-safe containers. Making it ahead allows the bold flavors to deepen and blend more fully.
A few days of rest transforms the sauce, enhancing its heat and complexity for even more impact when served.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Spicy Is Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce Compared To Regular BBQ Sauces?
Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce is significantly hotter, delivering a powerful heat that can be challenging for those unaccustomed to spicy foods.
Can The Heat Level Be Adjusted When Making This Sauce?
Yes, reducing the number of ghost peppers or removing their seeds can help lower the spiciness without sacrificing flavour.
What Foods Pair Best With Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce?
This sauce complements grilled meats, roasted vegetables, burgers, and even as a dipping sauce for fries or wings.
Is It Safe To Handle Ghost Peppers During Preparation?
Handling requires caution always wear gloves and avoid touching your face to prevent irritation from the pepper’s oils.
Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce turned out to be an easy success that brought bold flavor and satisfaction from the very first taste.
Crafting it from scratch made the experience even more personal and exciting. Each spoonful carries the right mix of fire, sweetness, and depth that stands out on any plate.
Sharing it added joy to the process, and the results spoke for themselves. I hope you try it yourself and enjoy creating something truly unforgettable and full of character.
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Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wear gloves! Remove stems from the ghost peppers. You can remove seeds for slightly less heat (optional). Roughly chop. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped ghost peppers and saute for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant. Be cautious the fumes can be intense.
- Add ketchup, water, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, brown sugar (both portions), molasses, and honey. Stir to combine. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Add the Brit Harbour Target BBQ Sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until fully incorporated. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly.
- Carefully transfer the sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Let it cool slightly before blending to avoid splatter.
- Taste the sauce. Adjust salt or sugar if needed. You can also add more ghost pepper if you’re brave! Let the sauce cool completely. Transfer to sterilised jars or bottles.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 40 kcal | Fat: 0.5 g | Sodium: 250 mg | Carbohydrate: 9 g | Sugars: 7 g | Protein: 0.2 g“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”