Discover the secret behind the spicy sweet condiment that’s taking the internet (and food lovers) by storm!
Hot honey sauce is more than just a trendy condiment – it’s a flavor revolution. It takes the comforting sweetness of honey and infuses it with a subtle (or not-so-subtle, depending on your preference) kick of heat. This dynamic duo elevates countless dishes, from savory to sweet, leaving you wanting more.
But what exactly is hot honey sauce, and how can you incorporate it into your culinary creations? Buckle up, spice lovers, because we’re about to dive deep into the world of this versatile condiment.
What is hot honey
Hot honey sauce is a simple yet ingenious concoction. It’s essentially honey infused with chilies, flakes, or peppers, resulting in a sweet and spicy sauce with a complex flavor profile. The beauty lies in its adaptability – you can control the heat level based on your preference and the chosen chilies.
This condiment has taken the culinary world by storm in recent years, with a good reason. According to a National Restaurant Association report, spicy flavors are experiencing a surge in popularity, with 63% of chefs reporting an increased demand for spicy dishes. Hot honey sauce perfectly caters to this trend, offering a unique way to add a touch of heat without overpowering the dish’s other flavors.
What to put hot honey on
While hot honey sauce shines on fried chicken and pizza (we’ll get to those!), its versatility extends far beyond the usual suspects. Here are some unexpected yet delightful ways to incorporate this condiment into your meals:
- Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle hot honey sauce on roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes, or even coleslaw for a sweet and spicy glaze that complements their natural sweetness.
- Cheese Platter: Elevate your cheese board by pairing creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese with a drizzle of hot honey sauce. The contrasting flavors create a delightful explosion in your mouth.
- Fruit Salads: A drizzle of hot honey sauce adds a surprising depth of flavor to fruit salads, especially those featuring berries or tropical fruits.
- Cocktails: Hot honey sauce adds a spicy kick to classic cocktails like margaritas or old fashioneds.
- Glazes and Marinades: Use hot honey sauce to create glazes for salmon, shrimp, or tofu skewers for a sweet and spicy twist on your favorite proteins.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. The possibilities are truly endless with hot honey sauce!
Recipes Using Hot Honey
Hot honey sauce shines beyond the usual suspects like fried chicken and pizza (although we won’t judge you for drizzling it on those too!). This versatile condiment can elevate a variety of dishes, adding a surprising and delightful touch. Here are a few recipe ideas to inspire your culinary creations:
Spicy Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts
This recipe transforms ordinary Brussels sprouts into a side dish that will steal the show. The caramelized honey glaze with a hint of heat makes them irresistible. Imagine the sweet and savory combination exploding in your mouth with each bite!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust for desired heat level)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, a generous sprinkle of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overcrowd.
- Roast the Brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned on the edges. You can test them with a fork – they should pierce easily but still retain a slight bite.
- While the Brussels sprouts roast, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, Sriracha, and soy sauce. Whisk continuously until the honey simmers and thickens slightly, creating a syrupy glaze.
- Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted, remove them from the oven and carefully transfer them to a serving dish. Drizzle the hot honey glaze generously over the Brussels sprouts, ensuring they are evenly coated. Toss gently to coat them completely.
- Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy the explosion of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in each delightful bite!
Spicy Honey Sriracha Pizza
Calling all pizza lovers! This recipe takes pizza night to a whole new level. It combines the creaminess of mozzarella with the sweetness of honey and the kick of Sriracha. It’s a flavor bomb waiting to be devoured!
Ingredients:
- 1 store-bought pizza dough (or your favorite homemade recipe)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional, for an extra layer of creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- Drizzle of hot honey sauce
- Sriracha (optional, for an extra kick)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven according to the instructions for your pizza dough.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over the pizza sauce. If using goat cheese, crumble it evenly over the mozzarella.
- Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and drizzle with hot honey sauce to your desired amount. If you prefer an extra kick, add a drizzle of Sriracha as well.
- Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives for a touch of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
- Slice and serve immediately. Enjoy the symphony of creamy cheese, tangy sauce, and the sweet and spicy notes from the hot honey and Sriracha!
Honey Glazed Salmon with Sriracha Mayo
This dish is a perfect example of how hot honey sauce can elevate a classic protein. Salmon fillets are glazed with a sweet and spicy honey mixture, then served with a creamy sriracha mayo for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (around 6 ounces each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust for desired heat level)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully sear the salmon fillets for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and Sriracha to create a glaze.
- Carefully transfer the seared salmon fillets to a baking dish. Brush the glaze generously over the top of each salmon fillet.
- Bake the salmon for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through and flaky. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
- While the salmon bakes, prepare the sriracha mayo. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, and chopped chives. Mix well until a creamy sauce forms. Adjust the amount of Sriracha to your desired level of heat.
- Once the salmon is cooked through, remove it from the oven. Serve immediately with a generous dollop of sriracha mayo on the side. Enjoy the perfect harmony of sweet honey glaze, savory salmon, and creamy sriracha mayo!
Spicy Honey Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs get a delightful makeover with a touch of hot honey sauce. The creamy yolk mixture gets a touch of sweetness and heat, making these deviled eggs a party favorite that will disappear in no time.
Ingredients:
- 6 hard-boiled eggs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (can substitute yellow mustard)
- 1 tablespoon hot honey sauce (adjust for desired heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Paprika (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Peel the hard-boiled eggs carefully and slice them in half lengthwise. Gently remove the yolks from the whites and place them in a medium bowl.
- Using a fork, mash the yolks until smooth and creamy. Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and hot honey sauce to the yolks. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and a smooth filling is formed.
- You can fill the deviled egg whites using a piping bag for a neater presentation, or simply spoon the filling back into the egg whites.
- Garnish each deviled egg with a sprinkle of paprika for a vibrant touch.
- Cover the deviled eggs and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and develop further.
Tips:
- For a smokier flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the yolk mixture.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the yolk mixture.
- For a fun presentation, pipe the filling into the egg whites using different decorative tips.
Spicy Bee’s Knees Cocktail
This twist on the classic Bee’s Knees cocktail incorporates hot honey sauce for a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces gin
- 3/4 ounce lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce hot honey sauce
- 1 lemon twist, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine gin, lemon juice, and hot honey sauce in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well for about 15 seconds, until chilled and frothy.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist (optional).
Tips:
- Adjust the amount of hot honey sauce to your desired level of spice.
- For a smokier flavor, use a peated gin.
- If you don’t have hot honey sauce, you can make your own simple syrup with a touch of chili flakes.
Now you have a delicious spread of recipes featuring hot honey sauce, ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests!
How to make honey hot sauce
Now for the pièce de résistance – creating your own hot honey sauce! This recipe offers a fantastic base, but feel free to customize it to your taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of Marshall’s Honey (we recommend a darker version, like our Sonoma wildflower honey)
- 1/2 – 1 tablespoon dried chilies (such as crushed red pepper flakes, Aleppo pepper flakes, or a combination)
- 1 fresh jalapeno pepper, sliced (optional, for a more pronounced heat)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or citrus peels (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey and dried chilies. Heat over medium-low heat until the honey simmers gently.
- Here’s where you can personalize your hot honey sauce!
- Heat Level: If you prefer a milder sauce, start with 1/2 tablespoon of dried chilies and taste after 10 minutes of simmering. Add more for a spicier kick.
- Fresh Jalapeno: For a more pronounced heat and a touch of fresh pepper flavor, add the sliced jalapeno with the dried chilies. You can remove the seeds and ribs of the jalapeno for a milder sauce.
- Tangy Twist: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or citrus peels to complement the sweetness and heat.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer you simmer, the more intense the chili flavor will become.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Straining (Optional): If you prefer a smoother sauce, strain the hot honey through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the chili flakes and jalapeno slices (if used).
- Store in a clean, airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Pro Tip: Label your hot honey sauce with the type of chilies used and the date it was made.
Spice Up Your Life with a Hot Honey Sauce recipe!
Hot honey sauce is a culinary chameleon, adding a touch of sweet heat to endless possibilities. With this recipe and newfound knowledge, you’re well on your way to becoming a hot honey sauce master! So, get creative, experiment with flavors, and most importantly, have fun spicing up your life (and your kitchen) with this versatile condiment.
Our wildflower honey is a perfect choice for a local, healthy sugar alternative! Its bold flavors, unique textures, and color make it a lovely choice for snacking, baking, or daily meals. Simply choose a variety of honey that best suits your needs or tastebuds.
At Marshall’s Farm, our raw honey is also a favorite gift idea for birthdays, weddings, holidays, and more. Be(e) sure to contact us for our other limited products, like honeycombs, beeswax, bee pollen, and beeswax candles.