Homemade Hot Honey Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Homemade hot honey sauce is a simple, sweet, and spicy condiment that adds a burst of flavor to many dishes. With just a few ingredients, you can create a versatile sauce perfect for drizzling over pizza, fried chicken, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
- ½ cup honey
- ¾ teaspoon chili flakes (or more, to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon lemon zest, grated (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine honey, chili flakes, chili powder, lemon juice, and grated lemon zest.
- Step 2: Heat the mixture over low flame until the honey is hot and runny, but do not let it boil.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool.
- Step 4: Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more chili flakes or lemon juice if desired.
- Step 5: Pour the hot honey into a clean, airtight glass container for storage.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika instead of chili powder.
- If you prefer a milder heat, reduce the chili flakes or omit the chili powder.
- Leave out the lemon zest for a simpler, sweeter sauce, or add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang.
Storage
Store the hot honey sauce in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Shake or stir before using, as some separation may occur. No need to refrigerate, but keep it away from direct heat or sunlight.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chili instead of chili flakes?
Yes, finely chopped fresh chili can be used, but keep in mind it may make the sauce less shelf-stable and could alter the texture. Adjust quantity to your preferred heat level.
Is this sauce suitable for vegans?
This hot honey sauce contains honey, which is not considered vegan. For a vegan version, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
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Homemade Hot Honey Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This homemade hot honey sauce is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, made with honey, chili flakes, chili powder, and a touch of lemon juice and zest. It’s quick and easy to prepare, bringing a delicious kick to your dishes, ideal for drizzling over pizza, fried chicken, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Hot Honey Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup honey
- ¾ teaspoon chili flakes (or more, to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon lemon zest, grated (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, add the honey, chili flakes, chili powder, lemon juice, and grated lemon zest. Stir to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Heat Mixture: Place the saucepan over a low flame and gently heat the mixture until the honey becomes hot and runny. Be careful not to let it boil to preserve the flavor and the beneficial properties of the honey.
- Cool Down: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the hot honey sauce cool to room temperature.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning by adding more chili flakes or lemon juice if desired for extra heat or acidity.
- Store: Pour the cooled hot honey sauce into a clean airtight glass container. Store it on the shelf where it will keep fresh for about 2 weeks.
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili flakes.
- For a smokier flavor, consider using smoked chili powder.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, strain out the chili flakes before storing.
- Use this sauce to enhance everything from pizza and fried chicken to roasted vegetables and grilled meats.
- Keep the sauce covered tightly to maintain freshness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: hot honey sauce, spicy honey, homemade hot sauce, sweet and spicy sauce, honey chili sauce
