This showstopping Spicy BBQ Sauce tastes delicious on everything from burgers to wings!
I’m no expert when it comes to the grill. Don’t get me wrong—I love an open flame and charred grill marks on my food. But it’s just not something I have much time to do. I have, however, crafted countless dressings, sauces, and creamy seasonings over the years and know a tasty sauce when I see one! The best ones are the sauces that can shape-shift and mix well with other mains. Ones that warm up a cook like me to experiment and play. Ones that can complement both a fish and a veggie. I love, love, love inclusive sauces because they are oh-so useful, especially on those busy nights.
This spicy BBQ sauce is exactly that kind of recipe. Smoky, tangy, sweet, and with just the right amount of heat, it’s perfect for marinating meats, topping grilled fish, or giving a kick to a plate of roasted potatoes. It’s a multitasker, ready to step in and save the day when cooking feels like a chore. After all, anything that makes dinner easier and tastier is a win in my book!
Is This Spicy BBQ Sauce Healthy?
This recipe was designed as a healthy replacement for a regular BBQ sauce! It’s much better for you than store-bought equivalents because it’s made fresh with no refined sugar or trans-fats. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, Paleo-friendly, and low-calorie. And the best part is you don’t have to settle on the taste. This spicy BBQ recipe is bold, sweet, and tangy! As always, high-quality ingredients are key to elevating any recipe’s taste and nutritional value. For example, I like to replace the ketchup with some diced cherry tomatoes and tomato paste, making it even lower in sodium.
Natural Sweetener Swaps
I try not to use refined sugar. Whenever I can, I prefer to use natural sweeteners, like raw, unprocessed honey. It provides a variety of nutrients and is rich in antioxidants.
For those of you on a keto diet or monitoring blood sugar levels, you can always try monk fruit as a sweetener, which has a lower glycemic index. Maple syrup and coconut sugar are also great substitutes and come in a close second, trailing right behind the honey.
How To Make Ahead And Store
This sauce is best stored in a mason jar in your fridge for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, just defrost in the fridge overnight.
Serving suggestions
This sauce is an all-purpose sauce that’s great on pork, chicken, and much more! It’s a hard recipe to beat and great for dunking veggies, fries, chicken tenders, and wings.
If you’re planning a meaty dish to slather this sauce on, potatoes are always a winning side! Check out our Garlic Mashed Potatoes or these Crispy Fried Potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, brown sugar, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk the ingredients together until fully combined.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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