
Hot Honey Sauce | Honey Chili Sauce Recipe | Kitchenstagram


Homemade sweet & spicy Honey Chili sauce or Hot Honey is a tantalizing simple yet explosively flavourful condiment that has taken the culinary world by storm. Crafted with just three ingredients- dried chilis, honey and a dash of heat- this spicy-sweet elixir is ready to elevate your dishes in a mere 5 minutes.
The magic lies in the fusion of honey’s natural sweetness with the fiery kick of dried chilis. By introducing heat to the mix, the chili infuses rapidly into the honey, creating a bold and dynamic flavour profile. This hot honey has become a culinary darling, celebrated for its versatility and the delightful marriage of classic tastes- sweet and spicy.
Drizzle this ambrosial concoction on a myriad of dishes, from pizza and fries to sandwiches, cornbread, crispy fried chicken and even crispy fried mushrooms. The options are endless. Share the love by gifting this homemade gem to family and friends.
Adaptability is the key- you’re the maestro of spice in your kitchen. Adjust the heat levels to your liking, creating a sauce that suits your palate. The beauty of this homemade sauce lies not only in its addictive flavors but also in its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Using pantry staples, you can whip up this all-purpose condiment, deciding whether to embrace the chili solids for an intensified heat over time or strain them out for a milder experience. Sweet, spicy and utterly irresistible, this homemade honey-chili sauce is a game-changer for your taste buds.
What is Hot Honey?
Hot Honey is a delightful concoction, blending the natural sweetness of honey with a kick of spice from infused chili peppers, whether dried or fresh. Unlike slow-infusion methods, this quick recipe involves simmering all the ingredients for a few minutes. The choice of chili and its quantity allows for a customized flavour profile, making it more versatile than store-bought alternatives. As you serve hot honey, the initial burst of honeyed sweetness gradually yields to a lingering and delectable heat. This irresistible combination makes hot honey a must-have condiment, perfect for adding a spicy twist to a variety of dishes. Dive into the easy and flavourful world of hot honey with this quick recipe.
Why you’ll love Hot Honey?
You’ll absolutely adore this recipe for several reasons,
Quick and Easy: It’s incredibly quick and simple to whip up- just mix the ingredients , heat and let cool. It takes just few minutes to cook the honey then a couple minutes for it to cool down.
Simple ingredients: With only three everyday ingredients, its a breeze to whip up, leaving you with no excuses not to try it.
Texture: The texture strikes the perfect balance- soft and gooey yet light enough to drizzle effortlessly over your favorite dishes.
Taste: The taste, a harmonious blend of honey, spices and apple cider vinegar, is uniquely delicious.
Effort: It requires minimal effort, making it must-have recipe in your culinary repertoire.
Long shelf life: It boasts a long shelf life, perfect for keeping a batch on hand whenever the craving strikes.
Dietary info: For those with dietary restrictions, its gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian friendly, catering to various preferences.
Ingredients for Hot Honey or honey Chili Sauce:
Creating this delectable hot honey is a breeze with just three essential pantry items.
Honey: Use high quality honey, preferably sourced locally for a touch of regional authenticity. Opt for a clear honey, and if you have crystallized honey on hand, it’s perfect as heat will dissolve any crystals. While expensive floral honey varieties may lose their nuances during heating, choose a natural, less processed and pure honey for optimal results.
Chili: Chili adds the signature kick to the sauce. A blend of Homemade Red chili sauce and red pepper flakes offers varying textures and flavours. Adjust the quantity to your taste preferences, aiming for a tablespoon for a pleasant warmth without overwhelming the palate. Feel free to experiment with different chili varieties to tailor the spice level to your taste preferences.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple Cider vinegar serves a dual purpose, balancing the honey’s sweetness while imparting a nuance depth and tanginess. If apple cider vinegar isn’t available, white wine vinegar or rice wine vinegar can be viable substitutes.
Variations:
Elevate your dish with extra spicy by adding more chili pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Or get creative and experiment with smoked paprika for an extra kick.
For a savory twist, sprinkle in garlic powder to enhance the pungent aromatic flavour.
Use of Hot Honey or Honey Chili sauce:
Hot honey is a versatile and delicious condiment that can elevate a wide range of dishes. Whether you are a fan of spicy-sweet flavours or looking to add a kick to your meals, here are various ways to enjoy and use homemade hot honey:
Drizzle it over:
Pizza to create a sweet and spicy pizza sauce.
Fried chicken and chicken wings, BBQ Chicken, crispy fried oyster mushroom for a zesty coating.
Crispy french fries, eggplant chips, banana chips etc.
Omelettes, scrambled eggs, tofu and frittatas for snack or breakfast with a kick.
Roasted and sautéed veggies, such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus and corn on the cob.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches or toasts for a spicy and sweet twist.
Whipped feta or ricotta or cream cheese dip for a delightful appetizer.
Pancakes, waffles and french toast for a breakfast upgrade.
Drizzle over brownies,cheesecake and more
Enhance the flavour of grilled fruit, like pineapple, watermelon, peaches and mangoes.
Use in cheesy pasta dishes like mac & cheese, ravioli and gnocchi.
Vanilla ice cream or dark chocolate ice cream or yogurt parfait.
Whisk it into salad dressings for a unique vinaigrette.
This spicy honey sauce goes beyond drizzling, here are some creative ways to enjoy it:
Use it as a marinade for chicken or pork.
Spread over cakes, biscuits and cornbread.
Spread on toast, bagels, scones, soft pretzels etc.
Add to cheese boards/charcuterie boards for a spicy-sweet element.
Mix into cocktails for a spicy-kick.
Spoon over baked Brie, Bandel cheese and Camembert for an indulgent treat.
Make it a delightful edible gift for holidays and special occasions.
Storage Tips:
To store Hot Honey, let it cool to room temperature. Then store in a sterilized jar, in room temperature at a cool, dark place for up to 3 months.
Avoid refrigerating or freezing the hot honey, as this may cause crystallization. If the hot honey crystallizes, run the jar of honey under some hot water. This will melt the honey and make it more liquid.
For hot honey made with fresh chilies, store it in a sterilized jar in the fridge and use it within 1-2 weeks.
If the fresh chilies are strained out from the hot honey, it can be stored for up to a month.
FAQs:
• What is the best chili to use?
Choosing the best chili for your hot honey depends on personal preference and the desired spice level. Mild options like, kashmiri chili, Mundu chili, Lavangi chili, Bhavnagri chili, Byadgi chili, Boriya chili etc. Works well, while those seeking more heat can opt for hotter choices like Mathania chili, Guntur chili, Dalle chili, Birds Eye chili, Bhoot Jolokia etc.. Dried smoky chilies offer a range from mild to hot with a smoky flavour.
• Can I use Fresh chilies?
When making Hot honey, incorporating fresh chilies is a flavourful choice, though it impacts shelf life. For optimal taste, use approximately 1 fresh chili per teaspoon of red pepper flakes. To maintain longevity, strain out the fresh chilies and consume the sauce within a month. Alternatively, substitute fresh diced red chilies for dried flakes, or experiment with different types of hot sauce or cayenne pepper powder for a personalized kick. Embrace the versatility of fresh chilies while being mindful of the condiment’s perishability, ensuring a delightful and customized culinary experience.
• What if my honey crystallizes?
If your honey crystallizes, place the jar in hot water or microwave in for 10-seconds intervals, stirring between each, to melt the crystals.
• Can I strain the chili flakes from the hot honey?
To customize the heat level of your hot honey, strain the chili flakes for a milder taste or leave them in for a spicier kick. The infusion intensifies over time, so adjust according to preference before storing.
• Do you serve it warm or cold?
This Versatile sauce can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Heating honey makes it runnier, perfect for drizzling. To warm, gently heat on the stovetop for a few minutes before drizzling.
Ingredients
1/2 cup Honey
1 tsp Apple cider Vinegar
1 tsp Red chili flakes
1 tbsp Homemade red chili paste/ Hot sauce
Preparation
- Step 1: Add the honey, apple cider vinegar, Homemade red chili paste/ Hot sauce and red chili flakes to a saucepan or saute pan.


- Step 2: Heat over medium heat until the honey very lightly begins to simmer (don’t boil), for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then remove the hot honey from the heat.


- Step 3: Allow it to cool down and transfer to a sterilized jar. Enjoy!

About Me

DEBJANI MONDAL
Welcome to Kitchenstagram, the home of delicious recipes, culinary inspiration and cooking adventures. I’m Debjani and I’m thrilled to be your guide through the wonderful world of food. I’m a self-taught professional baker, home chef, recipe developer, author of Kitchenstagram and an aspiring YouTuber.
My passion for food and cooking began at a very young age, when I would watch my mom and dad cook for me and my brother. My dad, in particular is a great cook whose culinary skills made a lasting impression on me. My dad would cook up a storm on special occasions by cooking variety of dishes, from delicious biriyani to samosa, fish fry, rasgullas and kachoris (sweet & spicy deep fried pastry with filling of lentils, meat or fish…>>>>>
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