Spicy Sweet BBQ Sauce Recipe: The Ultimate Grilling Secret

The Spicy Sweet BBQ Sauce Recipe is truly an icon that transforms any bold, flavorful grilling. If it is a summer barbecue event or just another shot for a quick weeknight meal, then this homemade Spicy Sweet BBQ Sauce Recipe is just what you need.

When sweet and hot come together for the food, they bring an incredible balance that tempts everything.

The sauce is something I’ve experimented with so many times, and it goes hand-in-hand with ribs or even chicken wings.

You can whip up a thick, smoky sauce that tastes sweet and hot to be served on any BBQ occasion using very few ingredients like ketchup, honey, and paprika.

Trust me, you will never return to store-bought sauces once you try this!

Why Spicy Sweet BBQ Sauce Recipe is Special

I think this Spicy Sweet BBQ Sauce Recipe is special because it’s a perfect blend of flavors that easily suit a multitude of dishes.

I love how the brown sugar and honey give it a sweet touch, while cayenne pepper and paprika provide a spicy little kick. It is truly that sweet heat which sets this sauce apart!

And it’s homemade, so there’s no need for all the artificial ingredients found in bottled BBQ sauces. Take my word for it; once you make this sauce yourself, you’ll never be able to look the same way at BBQ sauce again!

Why I love this homemade Spicy Sweet BBQ Sauce Recipe

Following are the reasons why I love this homemade Spicy Sweet BBQ Sauce Recipe.

I love this Spicy Sweet BBQ Sauce because it gets every note right: sweet, spicy, tangy, and smoky. No fancy ingredients or highly complex techniques are needed- here’s why this recipe is close to my heart.

1. Perfect Flavor Balance: Brown sugar, honey, and molasses bring in the sweet touch while the cayenne pepper and paprika bring in the heat just right! It is a gorgeous sweet heat dance on my taste buds with every lick!

2. Simple and Accessible Ingredients: No need for any rare spice or hard-to-find equipment! These are pantry favourites of mine-ketchup, molasses, apple cider vinegar, and hot honey (referring here to an optional secret ingredient CP uses to kick up the flavor). This means it can be whipped up anytime in just no time.

3. Customizable to Your Taste: The beauty is that you can adjust this sauce according to your needs. Want it hotter? Throw in more cayenne or hot sauce. Would you rather have it sweet? Some extra honey or brown sugar is just fine. It’s all yours to decide!

4. Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether I grill it with chicken, lick it on ribs, or toss it through roasted veggies, this sauce pretty much elevates everything. Great for summer GBQs, easy dinners on working nights, or just dipping snacks.

5. Homemade Goodness: I make my own BBQ sauce so I can avoid the preservatives and additives in store ones. Every batch is fresh and flavorful, made with love. So I can ditch the artificial taste and go for that real homemade flavor.

How To Make Spicy Sweet BBQ Sauce Recipe

Recipe Overview

This Spicy Sweet BBQ Sauce Recipe is thick, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy, making it perfect for all your BBQ needs. It’s made with basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, and it comes together in less than 30 minutes. You’ll love the way it enhances your grilled meats, veggies, and even sides like corn on the cob.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: BBQ, American
Course: Condiment
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: About 2 cups
Calories per Serving: Approx. 50 calories per tablespoon

Essential Equipment

Medium Saucepan
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Whisk (Optional)
Storage Container

Optional Tools

Basting Brush
Strainer

Ingredients

1 cup ketchup
2 tbsp. molasses
2 tbsp. brown sugar
2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp. honey (I use Mike’s Hot Honey for an extra kick)
1 tbsp. paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan: Add the ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper in a medium saucepan. Stir them all together until well combined.
Simmer and thicken: Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will start to thicken and become a rich, glossy consistency. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it cook a little longer, but keep an eye on it!
Taste and adjust: Taste your BBQ sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat or a bit more honey if you like it sweeter.
Cool and store: Once it reaches your desired thickness and flavor, please remove it from the heat and let it cool before use. If you’re not using it immediately, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

My Secret Tips for Perfect BBQ Sauce

Customize the heat: If you want more heat, you can swap the cayenne pepper for chili flakes or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
Substitute for the sweeteners: Feel free to use maple syrup instead of honey or molasses for a different kind of sweetness. I’ve tried both and they give a slightly different, but equally delicious, taste.
Make ahead: This sauce keeps well in the fridge, so feel free to make it in advance and store it for your next BBQ. It tastes even better after sitting for a day or two!
Consistency: If your sauce turns out a bit thin, you can always add a little extra ketchup or simmer it longer to thicken it up.

Exciting Variations and Serving Ideas

Use it for chicken: This sauce is perfect for brushing over grilled chicken wings or chicken breasts. You can also dip your fried chicken into it for a spicy, sweet kick!
Korean BBQ Twist: Want to switch things up? Add a tablespoon of Korean BBQ sauce or gochujang (Korean chili paste) for an extra savory flavor that pairs well with pork or ribs.
Vegetarian BBQ: Toss some grilled veggies in this spicy sweet BBQ sauce for a mouthwatering plant-based meal. It’s great with portobello mushrooms or grilled corn on the cob.
Burgers: Slather it on your burgers for a tangy, spicy twist that’ll impress your guests!

Frequently Asked Questions

What to add to BBQ sauce to make it spicy?

You can add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, chili powder, or even chopped fresh chilies to make your BBQ sauce spicy. I love using Mike’s Hot Honey to add both sweetness and heat!

Is sweet heat BBQ sauce spicy?

Yes, sweet heat. BBQ sauce is both sweet and spicy! The sweetness comes from brown sugar and honey, while the spiciness is typically from cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

Can I make homemade BBQ sauce without molasses?

Absolutely! If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with maple syrup or honey. The molasses adds a rich depth of flavor, but these substitutes work just as well.

How long does homemade BBQ sauce last?

Homemade BBQ sauce lasts about 2 weeks in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Video Tutorial

Spicy Sweet BBQ Sauce Recipe

Conclusion

The Spicy Sweet BBQ Sauce Recipe is something I always keep on hand during grilling season. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and works wonders with so many dishes.

This Spicy Sweet BBQ Sauce Recipe for chicken is the perfect choice if you’re sick of the same old BBQ sauces. It’s thick, tangy, and just the right amount of heat—everything you want in a BBQ sauce!

Whether you’re grilling up burgers, wings, or vegetables, this homemade spicy sweet BBQ sauce will elevate your meal to the next level. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never look back.

Olivia