Description
Firecracker sauce is a spicy, sweet, and tangy condiment perfect for marinades, dips, and drizzles. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it enhances chicken, shrimp, tofu, and more.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp butter (or oil for a dairy-free option)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as sriracha or Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp honey (or maple syrup/agave for variation)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for a smoky twist)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry, if using)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Mince the garlic and ginger. If using cornstarch, mix it with water to create a slurry.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add Liquids: Stir in hot sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Mix well.
- Sweeten & Spice: Add brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir continuously until sugar dissolves.
- Thicken (Optional): If using cornstarch, add the slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust by adding more hot sauce for heat or honey for sweetness.
- Cool & Store: Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to a jar or bottle.
Notes
- Milder Version: Reduce hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
- Extra Heat: Add cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes.
- Citrus Twist: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika for depth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce & Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Keywords: firecracker sauce, spicy sauce, hot sauce recipe, homemade marinade, dipping sauce