Tiger Sauce is a bold, sweet, and tangy condiment with a touch of heat that elevates any dish. With its unique blend of flavors, this sauce pairs wonderfully with meats, seafood, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce. Whether used as a marinade, glaze, or drizzle, it adds a distinctive zing to your culinary creations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile: Use it as a sauce, marinade, or condiment.
- Bold Flavor: Sweet, tangy, and spicy all in one bite.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to your preference.
- Homemade Goodness: Fresh and free from preservatives.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ketchup
- Honey
- Brown sugar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Apple cider vinegar
- Hot sauce (your choice, for heat)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- Black pepper
Direction
- Combine Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce until smooth.
- Season the Sauce
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and black pepper. Whisk until fully combined.
- Simmer the Sauce
- Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and flavors meld.
- Cool and Store
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 1 cup of sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
Variations
- Sweeter Sauce: Increase the honey or brown sugar for a sweeter profile.
- Tangy Twist: Add a splash of lemon or lime juice for extra tang.
- Smoky Flavor: Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
- Extra Spicy: Use a spicier hot sauce or increase the cayenne pepper.
- Herbal Note: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme or oregano for an earthy flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or use it cold directly from the fridge.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture and flavor may change.
FAQs
What dishes pair well with Tiger Sauce?
Tiger Sauce is fantastic with grilled meats, shrimp, chicken wings, tacos, sandwiches, or roasted vegetables.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer it longer or stir in a small slurry of cornstarch and water during cooking.
Can I make it less spicy?
Yes, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use a milder hot sauce.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Absolutely! Use it as a marinade for meats or seafood to infuse them with flavor before cooking.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
How do I adjust the sweetness and tanginess?
Add more honey or sugar for sweetness, or increase the vinegar for tang.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, sauté minced garlic in a bit of oil before adding it to the sauce for a fresher taste.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and simmer a bit longer to thicken the sauce.
Can I use this sauce as a glaze?
Yes, brush it over meats during grilling or roasting for a flavorful glaze.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Properly stored, it will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Tiger Sauce is a versatile and flavor-packed condiment that enhances any dish with its sweet, tangy, and spicy profile. Whether used as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce, it’s a surefire way to bring bold flavors to your meals. Customize it to your taste, and enjoy this homemade version of a classic favorite!
PrintTiger Sauce Recipe
Tiger Sauce is a sweet and spicy sauce with a hint of tang, perfect for glazing meats, dipping, or adding a zesty kick to your favorite dishes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and black pepper.
- Cook the Sauce:
- Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to simmer.
- Simmer to Blend Flavors:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Cool and Store:
- Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool. Transfer to a clean jar or bottle and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- This sauce is versatile—use it as a glaze for ribs, wings, or shrimp, or drizzle it over sandwiches and tacos.
- For a smokier flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke.