Homemade Hot Honey Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Homemade Hot Honey Sauce is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, adding a delightful kick to your favorite dishes. Ready in just a few minutes, it’s a versatile condiment that enhances everything from pizza to fried chicken.
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 the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool.
- Step 4: Taste the hot honey and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more chili or lemon juice to suit your preference.
- Step 5: Pour the sauce into a clean airtight glass container for storage.
Tips & Variations
- Use smoked chili flakes for a deeper, smoky flavor that pairs well with grilled meats.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder for an extra layer of savory richness.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes to control the heat level according to your tolerance.
- Try substituting lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus note.
Storage
Store the hot honey sauce in an airtight glass container at room temperature. It will keep well for about 2 weeks. Before each use, give it a stir if separation occurs. If it thickens too much, warm it gently to return it to a runny consistency.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of honey for this sauce?
Yes, any type of honey works well. Lighter honeys like clover will be milder in flavor, while darker honeys will add a richer, more robust taste.
Is it safe to keep the sauce at room temperature?
Yes, because honey is naturally antimicrobial, the sauce can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure to keep it sealed and clean to maintain freshness.
PrintHomemade Hot Honey Sauce Recipe
This Homemade Hot Honey Sauce combines the natural sweetness of honey with a spicy kick from chili flakes and chili powder, balanced by fresh lemon juice and zest. Perfect for drizzling over fried chicken, pizza, or roasted vegetables, this quick and easy sauce adds a delightful sweet-heat flavor to a variety of dishes.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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, mix together the honey, chili flakes, chili powder, lemon juice, and grated lemon zest to create the sauce base.
- Heat Mixture: Place the saucepan over low heat and gently warm the mixture until the honey becomes hot and runny, ensuring it does not boil to maintain the delicate flavors.
- Remove from Heat: Take the saucepan off the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and, if needed, adjust the seasoning by adding more chili flakes or lemon juice according to your preference for sweetness and heat.
- Store Sauce: Pour the cooled hot honey into a clean, airtight glass container. Store it on the shelf for up to 2 weeks and enjoy as a versatile condiment.
Notes
- For more heat, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Lemon zest is optional but adds a bright citrus note to balance the sweetness.
- Use raw or unpasteurized honey for the richest flavor.
- Store in a cool, dry place and use within two weeks for best freshness.
- This sauce pairs wonderfully with fried foods, cheese boards, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables.
Keywords: hot honey sauce, spicy honey, homemade hot honey, sweet and spicy sauce, chili honey, honey condiment
