Spicy Red BBQ Sauce

Spice up your summer grilling with this Spicy Red BBQ Sauce! Packed with bold spices and savory ingredients, this homemade BBQ sauce delivers the perfect balance of heat and flavor to your favorite dishes. Best of all, you can whip up this delicious and easy BBQ sauce in about 10 minutes!

Jump to:

• Ingredients Needed to Make Spicy Red BBQ Sauce
• How to Make Spicy Red BBQ Sauce
• Customizing the Spice Level
• Serving Suggestions for Spicy Red BBQ Sauce
• Homemade BBQ Sauce vs. Store-bought: Spice Up Your BBQ with Homemade Sauce
• Storage and Shelf Life for Spicy Red BBQ Sauce
• Tools Needed to Make Spicy Red BBQ Sauce
• Explore More BBQ Recipes!
• Spicy Red BBQ Sauce

Ingredients Needed to Make Spicy Red BBQ Sauce

• Ketchup
• Brown Sugar
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Garlic-Infused Olive Oil (or traditional olive oil and garlic powder)
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Liquid Smoke (optional)
• Paprika
• Chipotle Chili Powder
• Cayenne Pepper Powder
• Mustard Powder
• Cracked Black Pepper
• Kosher Salt

How to Make Spicy Red BBQ Sauce

Create a bold and flavorful Spicy Red BBQ Sauce with this simple recipe. With some simple, pantry ingredients you can make a homemade BBQ sauce that will impress in no time! Here's how to make the perfect accompaniment for your summer grilling:

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, over medium heat, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic-infused olive oil (or olive oil + garlic powder), Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke (if using), paprika, chipotle chili powder, cayenne pepper powder, mustard powder, cracked black pepper, and kosher salt.
2. Stir and Simmer to Perfection: Mix everything thoroughly, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is glossy and emulsified. The simmering will help the flavors meld together beautifully.
3. Taste and Adjust: Once the sauce has simmered to your satisfaction, it's time to taste and adjust. If you desire more heat, add extra cayenne pepper powder. If it needs a touch more saltiness, sprinkle in some kosher salt. Tailor the sauce to your personal preference.
4. Cool and Store: After achieving the ideal taste and consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool down. Once cooled, transfer it to a clean jar or bottle for storage.

Customizing the Spice Level

The beauty of making your own Spicy Red BBQ Sauce lies in the ability to adjust the spiciness according to your taste buds. Whether you prefer a mild smolder or a fiery explosion, here are some simple tips to help you customize the spiciness level of your sauce:

• Cayenne Pepper Powder: Cayenne pepper powder is one of the key ingredients responsible for the heat in this BBQ sauce. To make it milder, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper powder in the recipe. On the other hand, if you crave more heat, feel free to increase the amount to your liking. Remember that a little goes a long way, so start with small increments and taste as you go.
• Chipotle Chili Powder: The other primary source of heat in this spicy BBQ sauce comes from Chipotle chili powder, which brings a distinct smoky heat to the sauce. If you enjoy that smokiness but prefer a milder spice, you can reduce the amount of chipotle chili powder and balance it with a bit more paprika or other mild chili powders.
• Hot Sauce or Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For an extra kick, consider adding your favorite hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. This allows you to introduce a different kind of heat that complements the smokiness of the BBQ sauce. Add a few drops of hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, and then taste to see if it meets your desired spice level.
• Balance with Sweetness: To balance out the spiciness, sweetness can be a great ally. If you find your sauce too hot, try adding a touch more brown sugar or even a bit of honey. The sweetness can help temper the heat while adding depth to the overall flavor.
• Consider Your Audience: When customizing the spiciness level, take into account the preferences of your audience. If you're serving the sauce to a group with varying spice tolerances, it's a good idea to prepare a medium-spicy base and then provide additional hot sauce or pepper flakes on the side for those who prefer an extra kick.
• Gradual Adjustments: Customizing the spiciness of your Spicy Red BBQ Sauce is an art, not an exact science. The key is to make gradual adjustments and taste as you go. It's always easier to add more heat later than to try to reduce it once it's too spicy.

Serving Suggestions for Spicy Red BBQ Sauce

The Spicy Red BBQ Sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment that elevates the taste of various dishes. Here are some delectable serving suggestions to inspire your culinary creations:

• Grilled Meats: Brush on chicken, ribs, or pork chops for a tantalizing caramelized crust.
• Pulled Pork or Chicken Sandwiches: Toss shredded, cooked pork or chicken in the BBQ sauce, creating a scrumptious filling for sandwiches. Top it with spicy cabbage slaw or pickles!
• Salads: Baste grilled chicken and serve over salad greens (like this BBQ Chicken Salad with Buttermilk Jalapeno Ranch) or toss with pulled pork and serve over salad greens (like this BBQ Pulled Pork Salad with Peaches and Cornbread Croutons).
• BBQ Pizza: Replace the traditional pizza sauce with the Spicy Red BBQ Sauce for a zesty twist.
• BBQ Burgers: Slather on burgers with cheese, onions, and bacon.
• BBQ Tofu or Veggie Skewers: Marinate and grill for smoky goodness.
• BBQ Glaze: Use the Spicy Red BBQ Sauce as a glaze for roasted vegetables or baked salmon. The flavors will caramelize beautifully!
• BBQ Sliders: Drizzle over mini pulled pork or chicken sliders. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties and gatherings.
• BBQ Wings: Toss crispy chicken wings in the Spicy Red BBQ Sauce for a fiery and delicious appetizer. Serve with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing for a classic pairing.
• BBQ Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with shredded cheese, black beans, diced jalapenos, and the Spicy Red BBQ Sauce. Bake until the cheese is melted, then top with sour cream and fresh cilantro.
• BBQ Meatballs: Coat cooked meatballs in the Spicy Red BBQ Sauce for a delightful twist on a classic appetizer. Serve them on toothpicks as a crowd-pleasing party treat.
• BBQ Tacos: Drizzle on grilled meat or tofu in soft tortillas. Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream.

Homemade BBQ Sauce vs. Store-bought: Spice Up Your BBQ with Homemade Sauce

When it comes to BBQ sauce, is homemade and store-bought better? While both have their merits, there's something truly special about creating your own sauce from scratch. Here's why I like making my own BBQ sauce:

Tailored to Your Taste

One of the biggest advantages of homemade BBQ sauce is that you have complete control over the ingredients and flavor. You can adjust the sweetness, spiciness, and smokiness to perfectly suit your preferences. Whether you prefer it tangy, smoky, or extra spicy, you can fine-tune the sauce to match.

Customizable Ingredients for Dietary Preferences

Homemade BBQ sauce is the perfect choice for those seeking fresh and healthy ingredients, free from artificial preservatives and additives often found in store-bought versions. You can opt for organic, non-GMO, or locally sourced ingredients, as well as make it adaptable to various dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, vegan, diabetic, or low-sodium preferences. With complete control over the ingredients, you can rest assured that there are no hidden surprises in your sauce.

Storage and Shelf Life for Spicy Red BBQ Sauce

To keep your Spicy Red BBQ Sauce at its best, store the cooled sauce in clean, airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks or freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before using the sauce.

Tools Needed to Make Spicy Red BBQ Sauce

• A kitchen scale (or measuring cups for less precise measurements)
• Measuring spoons
• A medium saucepan
• A silicone spatula

Are you looking to upgrade your cooking tools or replenish your pantry?

Check out my kitchen tools shop page and pantry staples shop page to find my must-have kitchen tools, pantry items, and other Whip & Wander favorites.

Explore More BBQ Recipes!

Love this Spicy Red BBQ Sauce? Here are some more of my favorite BBQ sauce recipes and meals that feature BBQ sauce for easy summer dinners:

• BBQ Chicken Pizza
• BBQ Pulled Pork Salad with Peaches and Cornbread Croutons
• Ogden’s Old Firewhisky Grilled Chicken Wings
• Grilled Chicken Wings with Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce
• Grilled Chicken Wings with Chipotle Peach BBQ Sauce
• Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce
• Chipotle Peach BBQ Sauce

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