Nashville Hot BBQ Sauce
Nashville Hot BBQ Sauce blends smoky barbecue flavors with the fiery heat of Nashville's famous hot chicken. Perfect for grilling, dipping, or marinating, this sauce adds a spicy, sweet kick to any dish, delivering a taste of Tennessee's bold culinary tradition.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey optional
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, add ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey (if using), molasses, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the sugar is dissolved.
- Once the sauce begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- After simmering, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter. Continue to stir until the butter is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
Notes
Always use high-quality smoked paprika and fresh garlic for the best results and most authentic taste.