Spicy Sweet and Smoky BBQ Sauce
Elevate your grilling game with this Spicy Sweet and Smoky BBQ Sauce! This rich and thick sauce combines the tanginess of ketchup and mustard with the sweetness of brown sugar, pancake syrup, and honey, creating a flavor profile that dances on the palate. Whether you’re using it as a marinade for meats, a dipping sauce for veggies, or a glaze for grilled chicken, this recipe is sure to impress. With adjustable spices, you can easily tailor the heat level to suit your taste, making it perfect for every occasion—picnics, barbecues, or a cozy night in. Experiment with the ingredients to find your perfect blend, and savor the delicious results!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
ketchup
1 1/2 cups (none)
mustard
1/4 cup (none)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
pancake syrup or molasses
3 tablespoons (none)
Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons (none)
honey
1-2 tablespoons (none)
liquid smoke
1 teaspoon (optional)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 dash (none)
pepper
1 dash (none)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, pancake syrup (or molasses), Worcestershire sauce, and honey.
2
Add the liquid smoke (if using), cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the bowl.
3
Whisk all the ingredients together until smooth and well-combined.
4
Add the mixture to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously to allow the flavors to meld and ingredients to blend together.
5
Taste your BBQ sauce and adjust any seasoning to your preference (more honey for sweetness, cayenne for heat, etc.).
6
Once satisfied with the flavor, remove from heat and let cool. Enjoy your Spicy Sweet and Smoky BBQ Sauce as a marinade, dip, or glaze!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of Spicy Sweet and Smoky BBQ Sauce?
It is a rich and thick sauce that combines tangy ketchup and mustard with the sweetness of brown sugar, pancake syrup, and honey, plus a smoky finish.
How much ketchup is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of ketchup.
Can I substitute pancake syrup with molasses?
Yes, you can use 3 tablespoons of either pancake syrup or molasses.
What spices provide the heat in this sauce?
The heat comes from 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and an optional 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
Is liquid smoke required?
Liquid smoke is optional, but 1 teaspoon is recommended for a smoky flavor.
How much mustard is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of mustard.
What is the required amount of Worcestershire sauce?
Use 3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce for this recipe.
How much brown sugar should I add?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.
Is honey included in the ingredients list?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey.
Does the recipe include garlic?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Are salt and pepper used in this sauce?
Yes, the recipe calls for one dash of salt and one dash of pepper.
How long should the sauce be heated on the stove?
Heat the sauce over medium-low heat for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Why should I heat the sauce in a saucepan?
Heating allows the flavors to meld and the ingredients to blend together smoothly.
Should I stir the sauce while it is heating?
Yes, you should stir continuously to prevent burning and ensure even blending.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the BBQ sauce?
Yes, you can add more honey if you prefer a sweeter sauce profile.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
Yes, you can increase or decrease the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference.
What are the common uses for this BBQ sauce?
It can be used as a marinade for meats, a dipping sauce for vegetables, or a glaze for grilled chicken.
Is this sauce suitable for barbecues and picnics?
Yes, it is perfect for barbecues, picnics, or even a cozy night in.
How many ingredients are in this BBQ sauce recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including optional items like liquid smoke and red pepper flakes.
What is the first step in preparing the sauce?
Combine the ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, pancake syrup, Worcestershire sauce, and honey in a mixing bowl.
What should I do after adding the liquid base ingredients?
Add the spices including cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Do I need to whisk the mixture?
Yes, whisk all the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined before heating.
When is it time to remove the sauce from the heat?
Remove the sauce from heat once you are satisfied with the flavor profile after tasting.
Should the sauce be cooled before serving?
Yes, the recipe recommends letting the sauce cool after removing it from the heat.
Can this sauce be used as a glaze for chicken?
Yes, it is explicitly mentioned as an excellent glaze for grilled chicken.
Is the texture of the sauce thick or thin?
The recipe produces a rich and thick sauce consistency.
Can I use this BBQ sauce as a dip for veggies?
Yes, it is highly recommended as a dipping sauce for various vegetables.
Is the heat level of this sauce customizable?
Yes, the spices are fully adjustable to help you find your perfect heat level.
What kind of syrup is recommended for the sweetness?
Pancake syrup is recommended, though molasses is an acceptable substitute.
Can I experiment with the ingredient proportions?
Yes, the recipe encourages experimenting with ingredients to find your own perfect flavor blend.