How to make Hot Honey recipe at home. This sweet and spicy sauce is a sharp addition to pizza, biscuits, etc. Has variations, uses and frequently asked questions.
Introduction
The hot honey recipe is going to become your new obsession in case you love sweet heat in your meals. This deceptively sweet and hot condiment is a blend of the sweetness of honey and the hotness of chili – forming an ideal of sweet and hot mix which makes any food to be not an ordinary one.
Hot honey has become a big trend due to the ability to use it in any cuisine and its notable taste. Whether it is drizzling over fried veg or giving a dish of pizza a spicy bite, it is the condiment that makes everything it is sprinkled on better. The best part? It is so simple to prepare at home within less than 10 minutes.
This guide will not only teach you how to make hot honey but also the different variations and also give you tips as an expert to enable you to make the best flavor possible.
What Is Hot Honey?
Hot honey is sticky sweet honey with chili peppers or chili flakes that will provide you with a slight to medium kick depending on how much spice you want. It is the ideal combination of sweet and spiciness and is a taste that goes well with savory and sweet food.
Hot honey was first developed in the Southern U.S., getting much popularity with the Hot Honey of Mike. Nonetheless, home-made hot honey is less expensive and also allows one to adjust the degree of spice to personal preference.
Hot Honey Ingredients
The ingredients that are used to prepare this tasty sauce are very few and easy to find:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw/local honey (select a raw one, preferably).
- 1-2 tbsps red pepper flakes (change to spiciness)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (required, to make bright)
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika to give it the smoky flavor.
- 1 clove garlic (crushed) for depth.
- Fresh chili pepper (a small slice, to add the hotness)
Tips: Mild honey such as clover or wildflower would be used so that the spice would shine without overwhelming the sweetness.
Hot Honey (Step-by-Step).
This simple hot honey sauce is ready in a few minutes and does not need any fancy equipment.
Step 1: Heat the Honey
Put your honey in a sauce pan. Simmer boil in low to medium heat, however, it does not have to be boiled – boiling of honey kills its natural enzymes and taste.
Step 2: Add Chili Flakes
Add the red pepper flakes and allow the honey to simmer softly in 5- 7 minutes. This enables the spice to permeate so beautifully to the honey.
Step 3: Add Vinegar (Optional)
To balance it, give in to your craving of tanginess you can add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. This reduces the sweetness marginally and gives the taste a dimension.
Step 4: Strain and Store
Take off the stove and leave to cool down a bit. You can strain the honey using a fine mesh sieve in order to remove chili solids in case you want a smooth texture. Move it to a jar or squeezer bottle made out of glass.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Spoon your hot honey, which you have just prepared, onto pizza, cornbread or vanilla ice cream. Sweet combo: it is hard to resist the heat!
Hot Honey Variations
And need to come up with your own version? Try these fun twists:
- Garlic Hot Honey
During the heating process, add crushed garlic so as to enrich the honey with the savory taste that goes well with roasted vegs and pizza.
- Smoky Hot Honey
Add a sminjecture of smoked paprika or a touch of chipotle to make your honey taste smoky and in the manner of the recipient-symbol, the gun.
- Citrus Hot Honey
Zest it with orange or lemon to add a citrus zest to the food which will go well with seafood or salad dressings.
- Extra Hot Honey
Fresh chili peppers such as jalape, habanero will be a hot version of the soup and spice lovers will be asking to have more.
- Herb-Infused Hot Honey
Add fresh thyme or rosemary to add a gourmet touch which is ideal in drizzing over boards of cheese.
Best Ways to Use Hot Honey
Hot honey can be sliced and crossed in numerous ways, which makes it such a kitchen necessity. The following are some of the delicious uses of it:
- Pizza drizzle- Sweet heat is the perfect match with salty cheese and hot pepperoni.
- Charcuterie boards- It can be presented with such cheeses as brie, goat cheese, or cheddar.
- Biscuits or cornbread –Brings in the warmth and sweetness.
- Roasted vegetables- Mix all vegetables, carrots, Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes.
- Ice cream topping- Yes spicy honey on vanilla ice cream is heavenly.
- Cocktails and teas – Add in warm beverages to add a sweet and spicy flavor.
How to make Perfect Homemade Hot Honey?
- Do not boil the honey: Low heat will keep the honey healthy and it will not get bitter.
- Regulate the spice: Add 1tbsp chili flakes and add more after trying.
- Store It well: Store it in a glass jar with a lid in room temperature within a maximum of 3 months.
- Add vinegar to it: to maintain its tartness, and prevent bitterness.
- Shake prior to use: The chili infusion can get stuck on the bottom as time moves on.
Hot Honey Storage and Shelf Life.
Keep your hot honey in an airtight glass jar in a room temperature. It does not require keeping in refrigeration.
- Shelf Life: Up to 3 months.
- Tip: When it becomes crystallized, warm it by putting it in hot water so that it becomes smooth.
Nutritional Information (Per 100gm) (Approximate).
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 64 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Sugar | 17g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Fat | 0g |
Note: The real numbers are dependent on the type of honey and additions.
FAQs
- Which type of honey is the best to use in hot honey?
Light honeys such as clover, wildflower, or acacia are the best since they do not make the chili taste too assertive.
- Is it possible to use fresh chili instead of chili flakes?
Yes! Cut fresh chili peppers and simmer in honey to make it more aromatic and strong. Strain before storing is all that is needed.
- How spicy is hot honey?
It will be dependent on the amount of chili that you employ. Add 1 tablespoon of it to start with mild heat and add more slowly in case you want it spicier.
- Do hot honey temperature require refrigeration?
No Honey is shelf stable. Simply keep it in a dry area (in a cool place) in a closed jar.
- Can I make vegan hot honey?
Absolutely! Substitute honey with agave syrup or maple syrup and proceed accordingly to a vegan one.
- What are the best foods that go with hot honey?
Hot honey can be used in pizza, biscuits, roasted vegetables and even desserts. It is a condiment that must have due to its versatility.
Conclusion
The hot honey recipe is the final kitchen hack one should use in case he or she is fond of food full of flavors. This condiment is both sweet and spicy, and with only a handful of ingredients it will be a condiment that is drizzling, dipping or glazing.
Whether it is fried veg or ice cream, this simple homemade hot honey is a sure way to add a hot kick to whatever you are eating. You will never know how you can live without it once you have tasted it.
Then take that jar of honey and your own favorite chili flakes, it is time to make your life a little sweeter and add some heat to it!
Also read- Best 4- chili seasoning recipe