Are you ready to transform your ordinary grilling game into a culinary masterpiece? This Sweet and Hot Barbecue Sauce isn't just another condiment – it's a game-changing flavor bomb that will elevate every single bite of your favorite meats and vegetables. Imagine a sauce so perfectly balanced between sweet honey, tangy vinegar, and fiery hot sauce that it'll have your guests begging for your secret recipe. Whether you're a backyard BBQ champion or a weekend grilling enthusiast, this homemade sauce will take your cooking skills from good to legendary!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 3 cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients: 1 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the ketchup, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Stir the mixture well until the honey is fully incorporated into the ketchup.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce to the saucepan. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir the sauce again to combine all the dry ingredients evenly into the mixture.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat on the stove. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom.
- Once the sauce reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- After 30 minutes, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add more hot sauce at this stage.
- Continue to cook the sauce for an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness.
- Once done, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly before transferring it to a jar or airtight container.
- Allow the barbecue sauce to cool completely at room temperature before sealing and refrigerating. The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Use your sweet and hot barbecue sauce as a marinade, dipping sauce, or glaze for your favorite grilled meats and vegetables.
Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better your base ingredients, the more spectacular your sauce will be.
- Stir constantly while simmering to prevent burning and ensure even flavor distribution.
- Adjust heat levels by increasing or decreasing hot sauce – make it your own signature recipe!
- For a smoother consistency, consider blending the sauce after cooking.
- This sauce is incredibly versatile – use it as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce.
- Let the sauce cool completely before storing to enhance flavor melding.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks for maximum freshness.
- For an extra depth of flavor, try adding a splash of bourbon or a pinch of smoked paprika.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 60kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
