Do you love the combination of sweet and spicy flavors? If so, then you’re in for a treat! Today, I’m going to share with you a delicious recipe for garlic and chili-infused honey sauce that you can use as a marinade, spread, drizzle, and more. With just three simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can create this spicy honey sauce that will quickly become your new obsession!

A Flavorful Combination

Inspired by the popular chili pickled garlic trend on TikTok, this garlic and chili-infused honey takes the concept to a whole new level. By combining chili flakes with fresh garlic and high-quality honey, you’ll end up with a sauce that is both sweet and savory, with a hint of lingering heat. It’s a flavor explosion that you won’t be able to resist!

Easy Preparation

Making this garlic and chili-infused honey sauce is incredibly easy. All you need to do is peel and grate or mince the garlic, and then add it to a jar along with the chili flakes and honey. Mix everything together, cover the jar, and let it infuse for 4-5 days at room temperature. If you prefer a milder heat, you can adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your taste.

Versatile and Delicious

Once your garlic and chili-infused honey sauce is ready, the possibilities are endless! Here are just a few ways you can enjoy this flavorful sauce:

• Spread it over toast, bagels, crumpets, or soft pretzels for a spicy kick.
• Use it as a marinade or dip for your favorite proteins, especially seafood dishes like coconut shrimp.
• Turn it into a dressing by adding a bit of olive oil for a tangy twist.
• Drizzle it over pizza, wraps, or roasted, broiled, and sautéed veggies for an extra burst of flavor.
• Add a dollop to your grilled cheese sandwich for a unique twist.
• Serve it with a cheese platter, pairing it with cheeses like goat’s cheese, ricotta, halloumi, or baked camembert/brie.
• Enjoy it with egg dishes, such as healthy omelets, scrambled eggs, or tofu.
• Enhance your favorite avocado toast or guacamole with a drizzle of this spicy honey sauce.

And if you prefer a sweet version without the garlic, simply omit it and use the chili-infused honey as a topping for cakes, sweetbreads, ice cream, yogurt bowls, or even grilled fruits like watermelon or peaches.

Storage and Shelf Life

Due to the presence of garlic, it is recommended to store the garlic and chili-infused honey sauce in the refrigerator and consume it within 2 weeks. However, if you choose to make the sauce without garlic, it can be kept in the fridge or a cool, dark cupboard for up to 3 months. If you use fresh chilies, aim to use the sauce within several weeks and store it in the fridge. Just keep in mind that if you refrigerate the honey, it will solidify to some extent, so make sure to bring it to room temperature before using.

Frequently Asked Questions

•  If you’re looking for a faster infusion, there are methods that involve heating the chili and honey together and then removing the solid chili pieces. However, I prefer to avoid heating the honey whenever possible. If there is enough interest, I may create a separate DIY for that process in the future.
•  Yes, you can definitely use fresh chilies in this recipe. Just keep in mind that using fresh chilies may affect the shelf life of the sauce.
•  The choice of chilies depends on how spicy you want the sauce to be. Some options include Anaheim (mild), Guajillo (medium), chipotle (hot), and chile de Arbol (very hot).
•  When garlic and honey are combined, there is a minimal risk of botulism due to the pH level of the honey, which inhibits the growth of botulism. However, when adding chilies to the mixture, the pH might rise. To reduce the pH, you can add a little apple cider vinegar, but be mindful of how it affects the flavor.
•  While technically possible, it’s important to note that using different ingredients will affect the pH balance of the mixture and could increase the risk of botulism. If using maple or agave, it is recommended to consume the sauce within a week and ensure the pH remains below 4.6.

Try It Yourself!

If you’re ready to embark on a culinary adventure, I encourage you to give this garlic and chili-infused honey sauce a try.