How TO Make Hot Honey
HOW TO MAKE HOT HONEY is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 64 calories per serving. Recipe by Golden Hive Mead on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $6.00 total, $0.75 per serving
Ingredients
- 30 pieces Thai Bird's Eye Chilies (stems removed, finely diced)
- 1 cup Honey (store‑bought cheap honey)
Instructions
Prepare chilies
Remove the stems from the Thai bird's eye chilies and dice them very fine to form a paste.
Time: PT5M
Transfer chilies to jar
Place the diced chilies into a clean glass jar, leaving enough headspace for the honey.
Time: PT2M
Add honey
Pour the honey over the chilies in the jar and stir until fully combined.
Time: PT3M
Simmer mixture
Transfer the jar contents to a saucepan and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: Low heat (around 90°C)
Strain hot honey
Place a fine mesh strainer over a clean jar and pour the mixture through, pressing the peppers to extract extra honey.
Time: PT5M
Cool and store
Allow the hot honey to cool to room temperature, then seal the jar and store in the refrigerator.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 64
- Protein
- 0g
- Carbohydrates
- 17g
- Fat
- 0g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Thai Bird's Eye Chilies: Jalapeño, Serrano, Habanero
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup, Agave nectar
Equipment Needed
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Glass Jar
- Saucepan
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Wooden Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Finely dicing the Thai chilies to release maximum heat.
- Simmering the honey on low heat without boiling to preserve flavor.
- Straining the mixture to remove pepper solids for a smooth sauce.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For a smoother texture, blend the chilies and honey briefly before simmering.
- Toast the chilies for 30 seconds before dicing to add a subtle smoky note.
- Store the hot honey in a dark bottle to preserve flavor and color.
Troubleshooting
Honey becomes too thick or crystallizes.
Gently warm the jar in warm water to re‑liquefy before use.
Honey is not spicy enough.
Add more finely diced chilies and simmer an additional 5 minutes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 3 months
Freezer: Not recommended
Room temperature: Up to 2 weeks (refrigerate for longer shelf life)
Make-Ahead Tips
- Make a larger batch and store in the fridge for up to 3 months.
- Adjust spiciness by adding more chilies or diluting with extra honey before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of hot honey in American cuisine?
Hot honey has become a popular American condiment in recent years, especially in Southern and Midwest food scenes where sweet and spicy flavors are celebrated. It is often used to add a quick heat boost to fried foods, pizza, and breakfast dishes.
How is hot honey traditionally used in Southern United States cooking?
In the South, hot honey is commonly drizzled over fried chicken, biscuits, and cornbread, or mixed into glazes for pork ribs. It adds a sweet heat that balances the richness of fried or roasted dishes.
What regional variations of spicy honey exist in Thai cuisine?
Thai cuisine features a version called "Nam Prik Phrik" where honey is mixed with chilies, lime juice, and fish sauce for a sweet‑sour‑spicy dip. While not identical, it shares the concept of marrying honey’s sweetness with chili heat.
What occasions or celebrations feature hot honey as a condiment in American culture?
Hot honey is popular at casual gatherings like backyard barbecues, game‑day parties, and brunches. It’s also a favorite topping for holiday fried foods such as chicken wings during Super Bowl parties.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional hot honey versus common substitutes?
The authentic version uses raw or lightly processed honey and fresh hot chilies (like Thai bird's eye). Common substitutes include maple syrup or agave for honey and jalapeño or serrano chilies for the heat, though flavor will differ.
What other dishes pair well with hot honey in American and Thai‑inspired meals?
Hot honey pairs beautifully with fried chicken, pizza, cheese plates, roasted carrots, grilled pork chops, and even Thai‑style grilled shrimp. It can also be mixed into salad dressings for a sweet‑spicy twist.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making hot honey at home?
Common mistakes include boiling the honey, which can scorch and develop a bitter flavor, and not finely dicing the chilies, which reduces heat extraction. Also, neglecting to strain the mixture can leave gritty pepper pieces in the final sauce.
Why does this recipe recommend simmering honey on low heat instead of boiling?
Simmering on low heat extracts the chili’s capsaicin without denaturing the delicate floral notes of honey. Boiling can cause caramelization, darkening the honey and creating a burnt taste that masks the fresh chili flavor.
Can I make hot honey ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, hot honey can be made ahead. After it cools, seal it in a clean jar and refrigerate. It will keep for up to three months in the fridge; for longer storage, keep it in a dark, cool pantry but consume within two weeks.
What does the YouTube channel Golden Hive Mead specialize in?
The YouTube channel Golden Hive Mead specializes in simple, home‑brew‑style food and beverage projects, focusing on honey‑based recipes, mead making, and easy DIY condiments that blend traditional techniques with modern convenience.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
