How to Make Spicy Barbeque Sauce From Scratch!

Are you ready to learn how to make spicy barbeque sauce from scratch? This Homemade BBQ Sauce with Bourbon and Chile de Árbol is your ticket to elevating your BBQ game.

Packed with a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, this sauce is ideal for adding a kick to your grilled meats and favorite dishes. Made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress.

This BBQ sauce recipe by Chef Mark Sandoval is a fantastic blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that will make your taste buds dance. You’ll love its versatility, whether you’re using it as a marinade, a dipping sauce, or a glaze. Plus, it’s homemade, so you know exactly what’s going into it—no preservatives or artificial flavors here!

Spicy Barbeque Sauce Ingredients

Let’s examine the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious BBQ sauce. Each plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors.

INGREDIENT	DESCRIPTION
Blended oil	75% canola, 25% extra virgin olive oil – a balanced flavor and high smoke point.
Garlic	2 cloves, chopped – adds a pungent and savory flavor.
Shallots	2 each, chopped – provides a mild, sweet onion flavor.
Bourbon	½ bottle – adds depth and a slightly sweet, smoky flavor.
Orange Juice	8 oz – offers acidity and sweetness.
Chile de árbol	6 each, crunched – gives the sauce its spicy kick.
Brown sugar	½ cup – adds sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
Worcestershire sauce	¼ cup – enhances umami flavor.
Red wine vinegar	¼ cup – provides tanginess.
Cider vinegar	¼ cup – adds a different layer of tangy flavor.
Ketchup	2 cups – the base of the sauce, providing sweetness and thickness.
Molasses	½ cup – adds rich sweetness and depth.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before you start, ensure you have these essential kitchen tools. They’ll make the process smooth and enjoyable.

TOOL	DESCRIPTION
Stockpot	For cooking the sauce.
Ladle	For stirring and serving.
Strainer	To remove solids if a smoother sauce is desired.
Cutting board	For chopping ingredients.
Chef’s knife	For chopping garlic and shallots.
Kitchen towels	For cleaning up spills.
Spatula	For stirring and scraping the pot.
Measuring spoon set	For accurately measuring ingredients.

Step-By-Step Spicy Barbeque Sauce Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the detailed steps to make this amazing BBQ sauce.

Heat the Oil:

• Heat the blended oil over medium heat in a stockpot until it shimmers.
• This oil blend ensures a balanced flavor and a high smoke point, perfect for sautéing.

Sauté the Aromatics:

• Add the chopped garlic and shallots to the pot.
• Sauté until they are soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
• The garlic adds a savory depth, while the shallots bring a mild sweetness.

Add the Bourbon:

• Carefully add the bourbon to the pot.
• Allow it to simmer and reduce by half.
• This step infuses the sauce with a slightly sweet, smoky flavor.

Incorporate Other Ingredients:

• Add the orange juice, crunched chile de árbol, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, cider vinegar, ketchup, and molasses.
• Stir well to combine.
• Each ingredient contributes to the sauce’s complex flavor profile.

Simmer the Sauce:

• Bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
• This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Adjust Seasoning:

• Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
• Add more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or chile de árbol for extra heat.
• Customize it to suit your taste.

Strain the Sauce (Optional):

• If you prefer a smooth sauce, strain the mixture through a strainer to remove any solids. This step is optional but recommended for a silky texture.

Cool and Store:

• Allow the sauce to cool completely.
• Transfer it to a clean jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator.
• It will stay for several weeks and is ready to enhance your meals.

Tips, Storage Options, and Serving Suggestions

Mastering the art of BBQ sauce can elevate your culinary skills, and with a few handy tips and tricks, you’ll be a pro in no time. Plus, learn the best ways to store your homemade sauce to keep it fresh and flavorful for weeks.

TIPS	STORAGE OPTIONS	SERVING SUGGESTIONS
For a smokier flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika.	Store the BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks.	Use it on grilled meats like chicken, ribs, and beef.
If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a bit of water or additional orange juice.	For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.	It also works well as a marinade for meats before grilling.
Add a touch of honey or maple syrup for a sweeter, caramelized flavor.	To preserve the sauce longer, consider canning it in sterilized jars using a water bath method.	Serve as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, or chicken nuggets.

Conclusion

This homemade BBQ sauce with bourbon and chile de árbol is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. It’s versatile and can elevate any dish to the next level. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe and making it your own!

Try this recipe, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media using #CookWithCem.

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Happy cooking!

Cem

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of chili?

Yes, you can substitute with your preferred chili, but it may alter the heat level and flavor profile.

How long does this sauce last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the sauce can last up to 3-4 weeks.

Can I make this sauce alcohol-free?

Absolutely! For a non-alcoholic version, you can omit the bourbon and replace it with an equal amount of water or apple juice.

What can I use if I don’t have molasses?

You can substitute molasses with dark corn syrup or honey, although it will slightly change the flavor.

Can I make this sauce sweeter?

Yes, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or add a bit of honey for additional sweetness.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

Ensure that all your ingredients, especially the Worcestershire sauce, are gluten-free to make the sauce gluten-free.

Can I use white vinegar instead of red wine or cider vinegar?

Yes, but it will slightly alter the flavor. Red wine and cider vinegar add more depth to the sauce.

How can I make the sauce less spicy?

Reduce the number of chiles de árbol or use a milder chili pepper to decrease the spiciness.

Can I use this sauce as a pizza base?

Definitely! This BBQ sauce can make a delicious base for a BBQ chicken pizza or any other creative pizza toppings.

Tags: spicy barbeque sauce