Introduction
This hot and spicy barbecue sauce is a bold blend of heat, sweetness, and smokiness. Perfect for grilling, it pairs beautifully with chicken, ribs, burgers, or veggies. Preparing it on the Arteflame grill adds a unique, fire-kissed depth to the flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 1 tbsp hot sauce for extra heat
Instructions
Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
- Light your Arteflame grill using vegetable oil-soaked napkins under firewood. Allow it to heat for about 20 minutes.
- Place a small cast-iron skillet on the cooler edge of the flat cooktop to warm up.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- Add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and honey to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Mix in the Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
- Move the skillet to a slightly warmer zone of the Arteflame cooktop.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to meld together.
- For extra heat, stir in your favorite hot sauce to taste.
Step 4: Adjust and Finish
- Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness, heat, or tanginess as needed. Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Remove the skillet from the grill and let the sauce cool slightly.
Step 5: Serve or Store
- Use the sauce immediately to glaze grilled meats or as a dipping sauce.
- Transfer any leftovers to a clean, airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Tips
- Customize Heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce to your desired spice level.
- Smoky Flavor Boost: Add a splash of liquid smoke for an extra smoky kick.
- Consistency Control: Simmer longer for a thicker sauce or add water for a thinner glaze.
Variations
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a tablespoon of molasses for deeper sweetness.
- Citrus Twist: Stir in a splash of orange or lime juice for a tangy note.
- Garlic-Lover’s BBQ Sauce: Double the garlic powder or add roasted garlic for bold flavor.
- Chipotle BBQ Sauce: Blend in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for smoky heat.
- Bourbon BBQ Sauce: Add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon for a rich, boozy flavor.
Pairings
- Grilled Chicken: Brush onto chicken thighs, wings, or breasts for a smoky, spicy glaze.
- Ribs: Use as a glaze for baby back ribs or pork spare ribs.
- Burgers: Spread on burgers for a bold, tangy kick.
- Vegetables: Toss with grilled zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a spicy side.
Conclusion
This hot and spicy barbecue sauce, prepared on the Arteflame grill, delivers bold, smoky flavors with just the right amount of heat. Whether glazing meats or serving as a dip, it’s the perfect way to elevate your grilling game.
