This hot honey BBQ sauce is where sweet meets heat in perfect harmony. A staple in American barbecue tradition, this sauce combines the natural sweetness of honey with a spicy kick that elevates everything from grilled chicken to pulled pork. What makes this version special is the balanced approach, neither too sweet nor overwhelmingly spicy, letting you taste every nuanced flavor as it should be.
Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe
8
servings5
minutes20
minutes122
kcal25
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
240 ml 1 cup ketchup
170 g 1/2 cup honey
60 ml 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Tabasco or Frank’s)
1 teaspoons 1 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment
Saucepan- Whisk
- jar
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and whisk until smooth.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes in the pan (the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools).
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, add more cayenne for heat or honey for sweetness.
- Transfer to a glass jar or bottle and let cool completely before sealing.
Notes
- Serving suggestion: For authentic enjoyment, brush this sauce onto ribs or chicken during the last 15 minutes of grilling to create that perfect sticky, caramelized exterior without burning the sugars.
