Are you ready to take your grilling game to the next level? Forget bland, store-bought sauces – this ghost pepper BBQ sauce recipe delivers a fiery kick that will leave you craving more. It’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for both seasoned cooks and those just starting their homemade cooking journey. This recipe delivers a delicious dish, a healthy meal option, and is among the best recipes for a quick dinner idea. Get ready for an explosion of flavor!
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1-2 ghost peppers, finely minced (wear gloves!) See Tip Below
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and red bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
Building the Flavor:
- Add the minced ghost peppers (carefully!), apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Finishing Touches:
- Remove from heat and season with salt to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – you might want more brown sugar for sweetness or more vinegar for tang.
Serving Suggestions:
This ghost pepper BBQ sauce is incredibly versatile! Use it as a marinade for chicken, pork, or beef before grilling. It’s also amazing as a dipping sauce for fries, chicken wings, or even as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches.
Tips and Variations:
- Ghost Pepper Handling: Ghost peppers are extremely hot! Wear gloves when handling them to avoid skin irritation. Start with one pepper and add more gradually, tasting as you go, to control the heat level. You can also remove the seeds and membranes for a milder sauce.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of ghost pepper and cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness. For a less intense flavor, try using a milder chili pepper like jalapeño.
- Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of brown sugar. Conversely, for a tangier sauce, add more apple cider vinegar.
- Smoky Flavor: For an even smokier flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: Around 5-10g
- Carbohydrates: Around 30-40g
- Protein: Around 2-3g
This ghost pepper BBQ sauce recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the fiery deliciousness! Remember to share your culinary creations using this recipe by tagging us on social media! Happy cooking!