Spicy BBQ Sauce Recipe is a tangy, sweet, and smoky condiment made with ketchup, vinegar, sugar, spices, and hot sauce.
This delicious Spicy BBQ Sauce Recipe has a balanced sweet, tangy, and spicy taste that enhances grilled meats, sandwiches, and more.
I made this Spicy BBQ Sauce Recipe after seeing how it was prepared in a cooking video and feeling inspired. I will now demonstrate step by step how to make this sauce.
Why We Love This Spicy BBQ Sauce Recipe?
We love this Spicy BBQ Sauce Recipe because it combines sweet, tangy, and smoky flavours in every bite. The carefully balanced spices, honey, and vinegar create a rich and bold taste that enhances grilled meats, vegetables, and sandwiches.
Creamy butter and mustard add depth, while the gentle heat from chili and hot sauce excites the palate. Each spoonful delivers a vibrant, layered flavor that transforms ordinary dishes into something unforgettable.
How To Prepare Spicy BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Condiment
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 2 cups
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stove
Ingredients
- 240 g ketchup
- 60 ml apple cider vinegar
- 50 g brown sugar
- 30 g honey
- 7 g smoked paprika
- 3 g garlic powder
- 3 g onion powder
- 1 g ground black pepper
- 3 g chili powder
- 2 g crushed red pepper flakes
- 15 ml hot sauce
- 3 g salt
- 14 g butter
- 15 g yellow mustard
- 15 ml Tabasco sauce
- 0.5 g ground oregano
- 15 ml lemon juice
- 15 ml Worcestershire sauce
How To Make Spicy BBQ Sauce Recipe?
1. Mix The Wet Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, lemon juice, hot sauce, and Tabasco. Stir everything together until smooth and well blended.
2. Add The Spices:
Sprinkle in smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and oregano. Whisk the mixture so the spices are fully incorporated.
3. Let It Simmer:
Turn the heat to medium-low and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens just a bit.
4. Stir In Butter:
Take the pan off the heat and add the butter. Stir until it melts completely, giving the sauce a richer, smoother texture.
5. Cool And Store:
Let the sauce cool for a little while. Pour it into a clean jar or container and keep it in the fridge. The flavours get even better if you let it sit overnight.
Nutrition Facts Of Spicy BBQ Sauce Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Sugars | 13 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
| Protein | 0.3 g |
About This Sauce
The main speciality of this Spicy BBQ Sauce Recipe is its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and fiery flavours. The combination of ketchup, brown sugar, honey, and apple cider vinegar gives it a rich sweetness and bright tang, while smoked paprika, chili powder, crushed red pepper, and hot sauce add a smoky, bold heat.
Butter and lemon juice enhance the smooth texture and depth, making it velvety and rich. Versatile and easy to make, it elevates grilled meats, sandwiches, and roasted vegetables with a punchy, homemade flavor.
Amazing Serving Ideas
1. Brush over grilled chicken or ribs to create a sticky, flavourful glaze that enhances smoky flavours.
2. Drizzle on roasted vegetables to add a sweet, spicy kick that elevates simple sides.
3. Toss cooked shrimp or seafood in the sauce for a zesty, bold coating.
4. Spread on burgers or sandwiches to add a tangy, spicy layer that complements savory fillings.
5. Serve as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, or chicken tenders to add a rich, flavorful punch.
Expert Tips
● Adjust the level of crushed red pepper flakes and hot sauce carefully to control the heat without overpowering the natural sweetness.
● Slowly simmer the sauce to allow the flavours to meld, which enhances the depth and richness of the spices.
● Use high quality apple cider vinegar and honey to achieve a clean, bright tang and natural sweetness.
● Stir in butter at the end to create a silky, glossy texture and smooth mouthfeel.
● Fresh lemon juice added last brightens the sauce and balances the smoky, sweet, and spicy elements.
Recipe Variations
➢ Substitute maple syrup for honey to add a deep, caramel like sweetness and a slightly earthy flavor.
➢ Add brewed coffee or espresso to intensify the smoky notes and create a richer, robust taste.
➢ Blend roasted red peppers into the sauce for a smoother texture and a subtle smoky sweetness.
➢ Incorporate bourbon or whiskey to give the sauce a warm, complex flavor that pairs well with grilled meats.
➢ Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley to introduce a fresh, aromatic layer.
How To Make More Delicious Spicy BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Enhance Spicy BBQ Sauce Recipe by selecting fresh, flavourful ingredients and balancing sweetness, heat, and tang.
Simmer gently to deepen flavours and achieve a smooth consistency. Layer spices gradually, tasting frequently to create a bold, well rounded profile.
Adding a touch of butter or honey enriches texture and taste. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the sauce, while careful seasoning with salt, smoked paprika, and chili flakes intensifies aroma and flavor, resulting in a richer, more irresistible BBQ experience.
Proper Storage
Spicy BBQ Sauce Recipe stores best in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce stays fresh for up to two weeks, maintaining its bold, tangy, and spicy flavours.
Cooling the sauce completely before sealing helps preserve its texture and taste. Freezing is also possible in a freezer safe container for up to three months, allowing convenient use later.
Gently reheating brings back the rich, layered flavours without losing its original zest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Adjust The Spiciness?
Yes, increase or decrease chili powder, crushed red pepper, or hot sauce to suit your heat preference.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar gives a tangy flavor, but white vinegar or rice vinegar can be substituted.
Can I Make It Ahead Of Time?
Yes, preparing a day in advance allows flavours to meld and intensify.
Is This Sauce Suitable For Vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients are plant based.
Conclusion
This Spicy BBQ Sauce Recipe is easy to make, and I truly enjoyed its delicious success. The balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavours makes it perfect for any meal.
I hope this recipe inspires you to try it yourself. Now, it’s your turn to make it soon and taste the magic. After you do, share how incredibly delicious and satisfying it turned out!
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Spicy BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stove
Ingredients
- 240 g ketchup
- 60 ml apple cider vinegar
- 50 g brown sugar
- 30 g honey
- 7 g smoked paprika
- 3 g garlic powder
- 3 g onion powder
- 1 g ground black pepper
- 3 g chili powder
- 2 g crushed red pepper flakes
- 15 ml hot sauce
- 3 g salt
- 14 g butter
- 15 g yellow mustard
- 15 ml Tabasco sauce
- 0.5 g ground oregano
- 15 ml lemon juice
- 15 ml Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Mix The Wet Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, lemon juice, hot sauce, and Tabasco. Stir everything together until smooth and well blended.
Add The Spices:
- Sprinkle in smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and oregano. Whisk the mixture so the spices are fully incorporated.
Let It Simmer:
- Turn the heat to medium-low and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens just a bit.
Stir In Butter:
- Take the pan off the heat and add the butter. Stir until it melts completely, giving the sauce a richer, smoother texture.
Cool And Store:
- Let the sauce cool for a little while. Pour it into a clean jar or container and keep it in the fridge. The flavours get even better if you let it sit overnight.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Of Spicy BBQ Sauce Recipe
Calories: 60 kcal | Carbohydrates: 15 g | Sugars: 13 g | Fat: 2 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Sodium: 250 mg | Protein: 0.3 gHi, I’m Samia! I’ve spent the past five years creating recipes that are both delicious and unique. Cooking is my passion, and I love exploring different cuisines, blending flavors, and turning everyday meals into something memorable. From quick weeknight dinners to festive feasts, I aim to make every dish special. I’d love for you to join me on this culinary journey together we’ll explore simple, easy-to-follow recipes and tips that make cooking fun, inspiring, and full of joy!