Stubb’s Spicy BBQ Sauce

If you’re a fan of bold, peppery barbecue flavor with a real Texas kick, chances are you’ve tasted Stubb’s Spicy BBQ Sauce. It’s smoky, tangy, and just hot enough to wake up your taste buds. But it won’t overpower the actual taste of the meat.

This isn’t your average sweet barbecue sauce. The spicy Stubb’s BBQ sauce leans into heat with a balance of spices, vinegar, and natural smoke. And today, I’ll show you how to recreate that fiery flavor at home.

Whether you’re basting ribs, brushing grilled chicken, or drizzling over a pulled pork sandwich, this Stubb’s-style spicy barbecue sauce brings the heat in all the right ways.

Let’s start!

What Is Stubb’s Spicy BBQ Sauce?

Stubb’s spicy barbecue sauce is a Texas-style BBQ sauce. It is known for its bold flavor, pepper-forward profile, and a smokiness that clings to every bite. Unlike sugary and ketchup-heavy sauces, this one packs a punch with jalapeños, cayenne, black pepper, and a tangy vinegar backbone.

The heat level is medium, not fiery enough to burn, but just hot enough to stand out. It’s what you reach for when you want real flavor, not just sugar and smoke.

This homemade version gives you everything you love about the original Stubb’s hot barbecue sauce with a clean ingredient list and customizable heat level.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s how to make your own spicy Texas BBQ sauce at home:

Tomato Paste

Use 6 ounces of tomato paste. It gives the sauce body and that deep, umami-rich base.

Tip: Don’t sub with ketchup, this isn’t meant to be sweet.

Apple Cider Vinegar

½ cup adds that signature tang and sharpness. It balances the spice and gives the sauce brightness.

Water

Add ⅓ cup to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.

Brown Sugar

Use 2 tablespoons to mellow the acidity. Stubb’s is low on sugar, but this hint adds a needed touch of balance.

Worcestershire Sauce

1 tablespoon adds umami and a deep, savory complexity.

Mustard Powder

½ teaspoon helps punch up the flavor without adding visible seeds.

Onion Powder + Garlic Powder

½ teaspoon each gives that classic BBQ depth.

Smoked Paprika

1 teaspoon brings the smoke essential for any smoky and spicy condiment.

Ground Black Pepper

½ teaspoon adds a sharp bite and supports the heat level.

Cayenne Pepper

¼ to ½ teaspoon, depending on your spice tolerance. Go easy at first.

Jalapeño (Optional)

Finely dice 1 small jalapeño and simmer with the sauce for a natural heat lift.
Variation: For extra fire, swap in serrano or chipotle.

Salt

½ teaspoon helps bring it all together.

How to Make Spicy Stubb’s BBQ Sauce (5 Easy Steps)

Step 1: Sauté the Jalapeños (Optional)

If using fresh jalapeño, sauté it in a small saucepan with a splash of oil over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Add tomato paste, vinegar, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire, and all spices to the pot. Whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will darken and thicken slightly.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Check for balance, add more vinegar for tang, sugar for sweetness, or cayenne for heat.

Step 5: Cool and Bottle

Let the sauce cool, then pourit  into a clean glass jar or squeeze bottle. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Serving Suggestions

This spicy Texas BBQ sauce isn’t just for ribs. Here’s where it really shines:

Chicken Thighs & Drumsticks

Brush it on chicken near the end of grilling for a sticky, spicy glaze that clings perfectly to the skin.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Mix it into shredded pork or spoon it directly on your sandwich. The peppery heat cuts through the richness.

Ribs (Obviously)

Slather it on baby back or spare ribs during the last 15 minutes of smoking or grilling. It caramelizes beautifully without burning.

Grilled Vegetables

Use as a drizzle over grilled mushrooms, corn, or eggplant for a meat-free but fiery finish.

Meatballs or Burgers

Toss meatballs in this sauce for a party-ready snack or layer it over burgers for a spicy barbecue twist.

BBQ Tofu or Tempeh

Looking for a plant-based option? This sauce turns grilled tofu into something crave-worthy.

Pro Tips

• Want it sweeter? Add 1–2 extra tablespoons of brown sugar or a squirt of honey.
• Make it thicker. Simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to concentrate the flavor.
• Add extra smoke. Stir in a drop or two of liquid smoke or smoked chipotle powder.
• Don’t burn it. Always apply the sauce during the final minutes of grilling, sugar burns fast.
• Need it gluten-free? Use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and check your mustard powder.

Conclusion

This homemade version of Stubb’s spicy BBQ sauce hits all the right notes: tangy, smoky, slightly sweet, and boldly peppery. Whether you’re cooking ribs, wings, or just dipping your fries, this is a sauce that delivers serious barbecue flavor with just the right amount of heat.

Forget the store-bought bottle. This is your fiery barbecue sauce by Stubb’s, recreated your way.

FAQs

What Makes Stubb’s Spicy Bbq Sauce Different From Regular Bbq Sauces?

It’s less sweet, more pepper-forward, and has a noticeable smoky heat. Unlike thick, sugary sauces, Stubb’s leans into vinegar, spice, and bold flavor.

Is Stubb’s Spicy Sauce Good for Chicken, Ribs, or Pulled Pork?

Yes it’s fantastic on all of them. The tangy heat pairs beautifully with fatty meats like ribs and pulled pork, and it adds great flavor to grilled chicken.

Does Stubb’s Spicy Bbq Sauce Contain Sugar or Gluten?

Yes, it contains some sugar but much less than typical BBQ sauces. For gluten, it depends on the brand of Worcestershire always check the label if you’re sensitive.

Can I Make This Less Spicy?

Of course. Use less cayenne or skip the jalapeño to tone down the heat. You can also add a bit more sugar to soften the spice level.

How Long Does Homemade Spicy Bbq Sauce Last?

Stored in a sealed jar in the fridge, it will last about 2 weeks. Stir before using if it thickens or separates.