Making your own spicy bbq sauce at home allows you to customize the flavor profile exactly how you like it. With just a few simple ingredients, you can craft a sauce that perfectly complements your barbecued meats with the ideal blend of sweet, spicy, smoky, and tangy flavors. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of creating your own signature spicy bbq sauce from scratch.
Ingredients Needed for Spicy BBQ Sauce
The basic components that form the foundation of a great spicy barbecue sauce include:
- Tomato product – This provides the base flavor, color, and texture. Tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, or a combination work well.
- Sweetener – Sugar, honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar lend a touch of sweetness to balance out the other flavors.
- Acid – Ingredients like vinegar and lemon juice give the sauce a bright, tangy flavor.
- Spices and seasonings – Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper customize the flavor.
- Liquid – Chicken or beef stock, water, juice, or even beer thin out the sauce to the desired consistency.
- Extras – Ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, hot sauce, molasses, coffee, and fruit purees can take the sauce in different flavor directions.
Steps for Making Spicy BBQ Sauce
Follow these simple steps for easily making your own delicious spicy barbecue sauce at home:
1. Sauté the Vegetables
- Finely dice one small onion and two cloves of garlic. Sauté them in a saucepan over medium heat with a little oil until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This builds a flavorful base.
2. Add Tomato Product and Spices
- Stir in 1 cup of tomato paste or sauce and your chosen spices. Good options include 1-2 teaspoons each of chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, mustard powder, and salt/pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes more.
3. Deglaze with Vinegar
- Pour in 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, or other acidic liquid. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients
- Now stir in your sweetener like 1/2 cup brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Also add any extras like Worcestershire, soy sauce, coffee, or molasses in 1-2 tablespoon amounts.
5. Thin to Desired Consistency
- Gradually whisk in chicken or beef stock, fruit juice, or water to reach your desired thickness. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes.
6. Adjust Flavor as Needed
- Taste and tweak any seasonings as needed. Add more vinegar for tanginess, sugar for sweetness, or spices for heat. Let cool completely before using.
7. Mix and Match Flavors
Get creative with ingredients like peppers, fruit, liquor, herbs, or hot sauce for your own unique flavor profile.
Choosing Meat for Smoky Spicy BBQ
The right meat choice is key for letting that homemade spicy barbecue sauce really shine:
- Pork – Shoulder, ribs, loin, and sausage are excellent picks for showcasing smoky, spicy flavors.
- Beef – Brisket, short ribs, chuck roast, and flank steak work wonderfully with a kick of spice.
- Chicken – Legs, thighs, wings, and drumsticks hold up well to saucy barbecue cooking.
- Turkey – Legs and wings pair nicely with a sweet spicy glaze.
- Seafood – Firm fish like salmon and swordfish along with shrimp and scallops taste delicious with a bit of spice.
No matter what you choose, apply the sauce during the final 5-10 minutes of grilling or smoking so it doesn’t burn. Brush it on to let the meat caramelize.
Spicy BBQ Sauce Cooking Methods
You can impart even more flavor into your homemade barbecue sauce by cooking it:
On the Grill
- Simmer the sauce right over the hot coals in a cast iron skillet. The smoky essence infuses right in.
With Smoked Chili Peppers
- Use peppers that you smoke yourself for an extra layer of smokiness.
With Bourbon or Whiskey
- Cook off the alcohol to leave behind that sweet, smoky taste.
With Roasted Garlic and Onions
- Charred alliums add delicious depth. Roast them first before adding to the sauce.
With Bacon Fat
- Fry up some bacon first, then sauté the aromatics in the rendered fat for a smoky richness.
With Coffee
- Brewed coffee contributes complexity, so try replacing some of the liquid with it.
Storage and Shelf Life
To make your spicy barbecue sauce last:
- Store in airtight containers in the fridge for 1-2 months.
- Freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
- Canning the sauce gives it a shelf life of up to 1 year.
- If oil separates out, stir thoroughly before using. Discard if mold develops.
Serving Suggestions for Spicy BBQ Sauce
- Brush over chicken, beef, pork, fish, or vegetables on the grill.
- Toss with roasted veggies like potatoes, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts.
- Mix into ground meat for burgers, meatballs, or meatloaf.
- Use as a dip for grilled meat skewers.
- Drizzle over a smoked brisket sandwich with coleslaw.
- Serve with Baked Beans, Mac & Cheese, or Coleslaw.
- Make a spicy glaze for chicken wings, ribs, or shrimp.
- Use as a pizza sauce or base for a chili.
- Mix with mayo for a spicy aioli sandwich spread.
The possibilities are endless for how to use your customized spicy barbecue sauce creatively both on the grill and in recipes. Have fun experimenting with flavors to craft your own signature sauce.
FAQ about Making Spicy BBQ Sauce
What is the difference between BBQ sauce and steak sauce?
BBQ sauce has a tomato base while steak sauce is made from fermented fruits. BBQ sauce tends to be sweet, tangy, and spicy while steak sauce is mostly savory and umami-forward. BBQ sauce pairs better with grilled and smoked meats while steak sauce is meant specifically for beef.
What ingredients do you need to make BBQ sauce?
The basic ingredients are a tomato product, sweetener, vinegar, spices, liquid, and extras like Worcestershire sauce or coffee. Tomato paste, brown sugar, cider vinegar, chili powder, chicken stock, and Worcestershire make a simple homemade BBQ sauce.
How do you thicken BBQ sauce?
Simmering the sauce uncovered helps remove excess moisture. You can also mix in a thickener like cornstarch, arrowroot, flour, or puréed vegetables. Adding tomato paste or cooking down chopped tomatoes intensifies the flavor too.
How long does homemade BBQ sauce last?
Properly stored in a covered container in the fridge, BBQ sauce will keep for 1-2 months. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months. Canning the BBQ sauce gives it a shelf life of up to a year unopened.
What is the best wood for smoking BBQ?
Hickory, oak, apple, pecan, mesquite, and cherry woods are all excellent options. Hickory provides the classic bold, bacon-like flavor. Oak has a milder, woodsy smoke. Fruit woods like apple and cherry impart a slightly sweet essence.
Can you use brown sugar instead of white sugar in BBQ sauce?
Yes, brown sugar can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio for white granulated sugar. The brown sugar will lend richer caramel notes and play up the molasses undertones compared to regular sugar. Reduce any other molasses in the recipe accordingly.
Tips for Making Your Best Spicy BBQ Sauce
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
- Let the sauce simmer until thickened to the right consistency.
- Refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld before using.
- Add some fruit puree for sweetness and complexity.
- Play around with different smoked chili peppers.
- Use broth or beer instead of water for more body.
- Finish with butter or olive oil for a silky texture.
- Splash in a shot of bourbon or whiskey near the end.
- Stir in some grated fresh ginger for an extra kick.
With the right combination of ingredients and techniques, you can create your own signature spicy barbecue sauce that’s even better than store-bought. Have fun crafting a homemade sauce that perfectly matches your tastes.
Conclusion
Making spicy bbq sauce from scratch allows you to take total control over the sweet, smoky, tangy, and spicy flavor profile. While store-bought sauce is convenient, nothing compares to the depth of flavor possible with a homemade sauce using quality ingredients. With a simple tomato base, sweet and savory seasonings, acidity from vinegar, and a kiss of spice, you can easily blend a sauce that suits your tastes. From picking the ideal meat to cooking techniques that boost flavor, there are many considerations that go into crafting the perfect spicy bbq sauce. Armed with this guide’s tips, suggestions, and recipes, you will be fully prepared to make mouthwatering spicy barbecue sauce to complement your grilling. So fire up the grill, mix together your favorite ingredients, and get ready to slather some finger-licking-good homemade spicy bbq sauce this summer. Your tastebuds will thank you.