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Nashville Hot Sauce

Authentic fiery kick and complex spice blend that transforms fried chicken, eggs, or sandwiches with restaurant-quality heat and sweetness.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 16 tablespoons
Course: Sauces and Condiments
Cuisine: American, Tennessee
Calories: 45
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 3 tablespoons cayenne pepper powder
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar packed
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce Frank's RedHot recommended
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk or wooden spoon
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Heat-safe glass bowl
  • Fine mesh strainer (optional)
  • Glass jar for storage
  • Small skillet

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until evenly combined.
  2. Pour in buttermilk slowly while whisking constantly to create a smooth paste without lumps.
  3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously for 3 minutes until the mixture is warm and fragrant, avoiding boiling.
  4. Stir in hot sauce and honey until fully incorporated and the sauce is glossy.
  5. In a small skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F, indicated by a sizzle when a drop of the spice mixture is added.
  6. Tempering: Slowly pour the hot oil into the spice mixture while whisking vigorously to emulsify the sauce.
  7. Remove from heat, add salt to taste, and whisk well to balance flavors.
  8. Optional: Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl for a completely smooth texture.

Notes

Make the sauce ahead and let it sit in the fridge overnight; the flavors deepen and meld into an even richer, more complex sauce.