Spicy barbecue sauce with enough heat to bite the back of your throat and just barely sweet enough to balance that heat, this is the sauce I was craving.
My family loves spicy barbecue sauces. I’ve played with a few recipes this year. I found this delicious Homemade Barbecue Sauce a few months ago and we love it. I like my barbecue sauce on the thicker side with just a little sweetness and that sauce fit the bill.
It’s become one of the standard sauces that we reach for any time a barbecue craving hits. When we want something tangier, I love this Tangy Memphis BBQ Sauce. For a fruitier sauce, everyone goes nuts for Tangy Peach Barbecue Sauce.
Still, I hadn’t quite found the spicy sauce I was looking for. I wanted something with plenty of heat!
Spicy BBQ Sauce Recipe
So, the hunt for the perfect Spicy Barbecue Sauce continued. As I experimented with different ingredients, I kept coming up ultimately dissatisfied with the end results.
Today, I decided to try again. I had a very long list of ingredients that I wanted to try this time. As I was adding things to the sauce and tasting as I went along, I suddenly realized that I had exactly what I wanted.
I stopped there and very happily asked my husband to taste the sauce. He was thrilled with it. I will be quadrupling this recipe next time I make it and freezing the extra to have for future meals.
This is a pretty spicy sauce as it is written; however, if you like more heat, feel free to increase the Tabasco and cayenne. I served this sauce over pulled pork and it was an instant hit.
This homemade barbecue sauce gets its spiciness from Tabasco sauce and cayenne pepper. Ketchup and brown sugar provide a sweet backdrop for the spice and tang from apple cider vinegar. A dash of smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor that makes such a difference.
Easy Spicy BBQ Sauce
It only takes 5 minutes to whip up a batch of great tasting spicy barbecue sauce. Simply mix all the ingredients in a sauce pan and simmer over medium heat until combined and thickened.
I love the way this sauce tastes served warm, but it’s good as a dipping sauce at room temperature, too!
Spicy Barbecue Sauce is delicious anywhere you’d enjoy your favorite bottled sauce. I can’t wait to try it in Pulled Pork Tacos or in these BBQ Chicken Stuffed Baked Potatoes. This sauce also makes a fantastic dipping sauce for chicken or even Oven Fries.
As I was tasting this for the first time, I also thought it might make a nice addition to these Neato Frito Over-stuffed Burritos my friend Rebecca makes. If you have an instant pot, it’s delicious over these Baby Back Ribs too.
Homemade Barbecue Sauce
We’re big fans of barbecue recipes in this house. As such, I’ve made many homemade barbecue sauces over the years that we love!
If you like the sweet and spicy combination in this sauce, you’re also bound to like the Sweet and Spicy Homemade Barbecue Sauce too. It’s just a tad sweeter than this Spicy BBQ Sauce and my whole family calls it one of the best sauces ever.
You don’t need to be a bourbon drinker to enjoy this Sriracha Bourbon Barbecue Sauce. With flavors of chile and maple, that sauce is declared a winner by everyone who tastes it. Bonus: your kitchen smells amazing while it’s cooking!
Homemade Barbecue Sauce freezes wonderfully. I often make multiple batches of any of these sauces at a time and store a couple of bottles in the fridge with the rest in the freezer.
Having great-tasting homemade barbecue sauce ready at a moment’s notice makes dinnertime easier. Use these recipes anywhere you enjoy tangy sweet barbecue flavor!
If your family prefers traditional ketchup try our easy Homemade Ketchup recipe.
Spicy BBQ Sauce
A homemade barbecue sauce that delivers plenty of heat with just the right amount of sweetness.
Serve this BBQ sauce with Chicken, Pulled Pork or smothered on burgers for a meal the whole family will love. Feel free to double, triple or even quadruple the recipe to have lots on hand to freeze!
Homemade Spicy Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup I use Heinz original
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium low heat. Stir to combine and simmer 5 minutes. Use warm or let cool, pour into a jar and refrigerate until needed. Enjoy!
Nutrition
{originally published 6/27/12 – recipe notes and photos updated 5/16/22}
debbie says
Perfect! My favorite store-bought BBQ sauce is no longer available so I tried this. Far better than the store-bought! I made it exactly as the recipe described, just upped the cayenne pepper and tobasco a smidge since i like a lot of heat. Just what i wanted for BBQ chicken. I just mixed the ingredients and did not warm on the stove. I always boil my chicken leg/thigh quarters for about 30 minutes before I put them on the grill with the BBQ sauce. Slather the sauce on each side a couple of times while flipping to get a nice crust on the chicken. I like to serve with carolina yellow rice or rice-a-roni chicken flavor, along with a fresh green salad.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you like the bbq sauce, Debbie.
Patricia Lohr says
Delicious!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you like the barbecue sauce, Patricia.
Kami says
What can I substitute the oregano with? Seems like I’m fresh out.
Mary Younkin says
You can skip it for this recipe, Kami. Typically, you’d be able to substitute basil or thyme for oregano, but I honestly think I’d just skip it for the sauce.
Margaret Patrias says
This BBQ sauce is amazing! My husband loves, too. ❤️
Mary Younkin says
I’m happy to hear it, Margaret.
Francina says
I ran out of store bought bbq sauce. I quickly looked up a recipe and found this one. Absolutely delicious! No more store bought for me. Thank you so much!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy that you like it, Franchina!
Ryan K. says
This recipe is fantastic. I love the spicy BBQ sauce at my favorite BBQ place in Luther, IA (pop. 181). This recipe is very close. Sent it to my brother who loves to smoke too and he gave it the same stellar approval. GREAT RECIPE!!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy to hear that you’re enjoying the sauce, Ryan!
Iona Relf says
I absolutely LOVE this recipe!
My husband and I like having BBQ pulled pork, but always find home-made and store-bought BBQ sauces are way too sweet (even the ones that say “spicy”!)
I was so excited when I read this, and even more so when we tasted it!
I’ve made it 2-3 times already, and am about to do so again!
Thank you so much for sharing and filling the gap for a PROPER spicy BBQ sauce!! X
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you like it, Iona!
Trish Stewart says
This sauce is very much like the one I make, but I add cocoa to my sauce. It takes it to another dimension in flavour! Thanks for all your wonderful recipes. I love them!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you like it, Trish!
Jan says
Made this masterpiece today. We will no longer look for a bbq sauce recipe, because this one is absolutely perfect!!! Plan to use it in gift baskets, too! WOW AND THANK YOU!!!
Mary Younkin says
Jan – I can not love this more! What a fabulous gift idea.
Geoffrey says
Can you store this?
Mary Younkin says
It will keep nicely in the fridge for a couple of weeks, Geoffrey.
Jennifer says
Hello! Excited to try this; quick question, can I sub Louisiana Hot sauce instead of Tabasco? Thank you!!
Mary Younkin says
Jennifer, I don’t see why not.
Savannah says
Way too much ketchup. It ended up tasting like spicy/sweet ketchup. I ended up doubling all the other ingredients, added some lime juice and chili powder, which helped. Not the best recipe unfortunately. 🙁
Mary Younkin says
Sorry to hear that it wasn’t to your tastes, Savannah. Most BBQ Sauce recipes have a base of ketchup and we really like this one as written. I’ve never tasted a barbecue sauce with lime, but I bet it was unique and I’m glad it worked for you.
Kenny says
So the other day I made hot sauce with basket of fire peppers. WOW it is hot but good,so I substituted that for the tobasco sauce. What an awesome combination. Tastes great and can’t wait to use it on some chicken. Glad I found your recipe. Thanks
Mary Younkin says
I bet that is amazing! Enjoy, Kenny.
Vincent says
Best BBQ sauce I’ve had, it’s a staple in my house. I make quite a bit of BBQ gathering with family and friends and every time that sauce is on the meat I’m cooking or dipping sauce for whatever side dish I get nothing but compliments. I substitute the yellow mustard with a old fashioned mustard for a bit more flavor. I also substitute Tabasco with a hot sauce with more flavor ( chipotle style ). Thanks for the recipe!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy to hear that it’s a hit, Vincent!
Djones says
I’m a true Texan and this is not BBQ sauce, taste more like some ketchup seafood sauce!
Mary Younkin says
BBQ sauce comes in a variety of flavors and combinations, pick the one that suits you best! This happens to be one we enjoy.
johnny s hastings says
This homemade bbq sauce beats any sauce I’ve ever bought at any store hands down. It is so delicious that I decided to make a lot more of it just to have on hand for when I smoke meats. It’s the bee’s knee’s. Seriously you must try it. Delicious! 5 stars!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying the barbecue sauce, Johnny! It’s one of our favorite recipes in a pinch. Enjoy!
Don says
Outstanding!!! I added a tablespoon of Hosin sauce and 1/4 cup of Waldon Farms Strawberry syrup….. Wow! This good on EVERYTHING!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad it was a hit, Don!
Ellen Woosley says
i tried this. i never use Heinz. always Hunts. it was not spicy enough. had to doctor it up. I dont use mustard. it is a good base and better than bought bbq sauce.
Mary Younkin says
Glad you were able to make it work for you, Ellen.
Myra Martin says
Looks good making tonight.
Mary Younkin says
I hope you love the barbecue sauce, Myra!
matt garrity says
Interesting, i chose to sub tabasco and cayenne for 1TBsp homemade hot sauce and yowza. Added 1Tbsp honey as my hot sauce is a wee too hot.
Appreciate the backbone to play about with.
Anyone ever use vanilla ? Seems Coke or Dr P would add too much liquid
Mary Younkin says
Tabasco and cayenne is a great combination for barbecue sauce, Matt! I haven’t tried adding soda to this particular recipe, so I’m not quite sure how that would affect the consistency of the end result. A splash of vanilla might work well, though.