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Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce
Samia

Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce

Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce combines fiery heat from ghost peppers with a balance of sweetness and smoky flavors. This bold sauce transforms ordinary dishes into exciting culinary experiences. Careful handling of the intense peppers and slow simmering allow flavors to meld perfectly. The result is a rich, spicy, and well-rounded sauce that enhances grilled meats, vegetables, and more. A rewarding recipe that brings heat and depth to any meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Condiment / Sauce
Cuisine: American (Southern BBQ-inspired)
Calories: 40

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
  • 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

Equipment

  • 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

Method
 

  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.

Notes

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

Calories: 40 kcal | Fat: 0.5 g | Sodium: 250 mg | Carbohydrate: 9 g | Sugars: 7 g | Protein: 0.2 g