Honey Habanero BBQ Sauce
Honey Habanero BBQ Sauce blends sweet honey and fiery habanero peppers for a bold, balanced flavor. Smoky spices, tangy vinegar, and a hint of citrus create depth and complexity. This homemade sauce enhances grilled meats, vegetables, and marinades. Easy to prepare and full of character, it delivers a sweet heat kick that transforms everyday meals into something unforgettable.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Blender or immersion blender
- Garlic press or knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Jar or airtight container (for storage)
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 1 habanero pepper finely chopped (remove seeds to reduce heat)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add a splash of oil and saute the minced garlic and chopped habanero pepper for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant. Stir in the ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice.
- Add smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, ginger, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until everything is fully combined. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks.
- For a smoother texture, carefully blend the sauce using an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender once slightly cooled. Let the sauce cool completely before transferring to a jar or airtight container.
Notes
Handle habanero with care use gloves or wash hands thoroughly after. Adjust heat by adding fewer seeds, or tossing in another half habanero for extra kick. You can also refine the texture with a touch of cornstarch slurry or extra simmer time to thicken it up.