Get ready to add a kick of heat to your favorite dishes with this Spicy BBQ Sauce (Hot BBQ Sauce) Recipe! With the perfect balance of spiciness, tanginess, and flavor, this vibrant hot sauce is easy to make in just 20 minutes!
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If you're a fan of bold, fiery flavors that bring the heat to any meal, you're in the right place.
This hot BBQ sauce recipe is a game-changer, packed with layers of smoky, tangy, and spicy goodness that will take your grilled meats, veggies, or even tofu to a whole new level.
Whether you're slathering this hot and spicy bbq sauce on ribs, chicken, or just dipping your favorite snacks, this sauce delivers the perfect balance of heat and flavor.
Get ready to turn up the heat and impress your taste buds with a homemade hot and spicy BBQ sauce that's as bold as it is unforgettable! Once you try this, you can kiss bottled sauce goodbye!
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Ingredients for Spicy Hot Sauce
Here’s a look at the simple ingredients you’ll need for this hot bbq sauce recipe.
- Ketchup: Acts as the base, providing sweetness and tang.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness to balance the richness.
- Brown sugar: Contributes sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor.
- Hot sauce: Provides the heat and extra tang.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky flavor that complements the heat.
- Chili powder: Brings in a bit of earthiness and additional spice.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory warmth and depth.
- Onion powder: Enhances the sauce with a mild, sweet onion flavor.
- Cayenne pepper: Boosts the heat and adds a sharp, spicy kick.
- Black pepper: Adds mild heat and a bit of sharpness.
- Salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations for Hot BBQ Sauce
- Smoky Chipotle BBQ Sauce: Swap out the regular paprika for chipotle powder to add a smoky, slightly sweet heat, and blend in a small amount of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers for an extra kick.
- Spicy Fruity BBQ Sauce: Add ½ cup of pureed ripe fruit such peach or mango and to bring in a fruity sweetness that pairs perfectly with the heat from cayenne and hot sauce.
- Honey BBQ Sauce: Replace the brown sugar and use ¾ cup honey instead! This will mellow out the heat and add a rich sweetness to balance the spiciness.
- Mustard BBQ Sauce: Swap out the ketchup for yellow mustard for a tangy, vinegar-forward sauce with a bit of sharpness and zest. Add a touch more brown sugar to balance the acidity.
How to Make Homemade Spicy BBQ Sauce
Step 1: Gather ingredients. Get started by measuring all the ingredients and adding them to a small saucepan.
Step 2: Whisk and bring to a simmer. Whisk until well combined and simmer for about 15 minutes.
Step 3: Add Butter. Add the butter, and stir just until melted for the tasty finishing touch
Step 4: Whisk until smooth. Give the sauce a final whisk to distribute the butter.
Serving Suggestions
There are so many great ways to use this spicy hot sauce recipe! Here are some ideas:
- Slather them on wings. Brush them on these Air Fryer BBQ Wings or these family favorite Grilled Chicken Wings.
- Try them poured in place of the sauce on my Slow Cooker Chicken Legs or Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs.
- Give these smoked chicken leg quarters a nice coat before serving.
Expert Tips
- If you want a smoother sauce, you can blend it with an immersion blender.
- This sauce is perfect for glazing meats on the grill, as a dipping sauce, or as a condiment for burgers and sandwiches.
- Hot sauce can be substituted with Sriracha, Tabasco or Louisiana sauce if desired.
Recipe FAQs
Store the sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Shake or stir it before using if it separates slightly.
Yes, the sauce can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and stir before use.
White vinegar, rice vinegar, or even lemon juice can be used as substitutes, but apple cider vinegar provides the best balance of tang and sweetness.
Yes, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use a milder hot sauce. You can also add an extra tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to balance the heat.
More Delicious Spicy Recipes Recipes
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card right below! You can also write a review in the comment section further down the page I always appreciate your feedback. And don’t forget to tag me @freshcoasteats in your photos on social media, I'd love to see your results!
Spicy BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 Tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestshire
- 1 Tablespoon paprika
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic power
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon cayenne powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
- Stir and Heat: Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Allow the sauce to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Butter: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the unsalted butter. Stir until the butter is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You can add more cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Cool and Serve: Let the BBQ sauce cool slightly before using. It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Tips:
- If you want a smoother sauce, you can blend it with an immersion blender.
- This sauce is perfect for glazing meats on the grill, as a dipping sauce, or as a condiment for burgers and sandwiches.
- Hot sauce can be substituted with Sriracha, Tabasco or Louisiana sauce if desired.
Dean says
this was really good. i served on grilled chicken breasts but it would be great on wings too
Alex says
Served this with wings for the football game and everyone loved it.
Amber says
This was delicious, a new family favorite. Even my picky kids loved it!