Condiments make everything more fun. But I don't often find myself wanting to make them. There are plenty of vegan mustards, barbecue sauce and even mayonnaise on the shelves in just about every grocery store now a days. And most of the store bought condiments are tastier that any copy cats that I have come up with. But. There is one condiment that I've never seen a vegan version of. Hot honey. Its exactly what it sounds like- honey that is steeped with spicy peppers. So today I'm making my own Vegan Hot Honey.
Vegan Hot Honey sounds wild at first but when you think about it, there are so many places to drizzle it. Jazz up some peanut butter toast, or use it to top a biscuit or some cornbread. Dunk fried tofu nuggets into it or give your hot toddy a spicy kick. This stuff will give a sweet and spicy kick to anything you're eating.
Obviously, this Vegan Hot Honey recipe contains no honey. Rather than honey, I used agave. I do realize that agave and honey don't taste exactly the same. From what I remember of honey, it has a little bit of a floral + citrusy flavor, so I added in a touch of lemon juice at the end to mimic that.
I typically buy my agave nectar at BJs because I use it a lot for baking. But, I also have used and the Wholesome Organic brand of agave. But, whatever brand you end up snagging, be sure to get the agave that is light in color. Sometimes its labeled as light agave. It should be about the color of honey. There is another variety of agave that is deeper in color that is usually labeled as 'amber agave". Its color is closer to maple syrup- and it has a stronger flavor that isn't desirable for this Vegan Hot Honey.
To make this "honey" hot, I used something we all have in the pantry: crushed red pepper flakes. I get some serious mileage out of my crushed red pepper flakes. I sprinkle them onto pretty much any Italian dish. Pizza, pastas, marinara and risotto all get a big sprinkle of crushed red pepper.
Here, I added agave and crushed red pepper into a small sauce pan and brought the mixture to just barely a simmer. Then I let the mixture cool in the pot to allow the red peppers time to steep their flavor into the agave. And bam. Vegan Hot Honey was born.
So, take just a few minutes out of your day to make this unique condiment. Then, drizzle away.
Vegan Hot Honey
Ingredients
- ¾ Cup Light Agave Light refers to the color
- 2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flake
- Pinch Salt
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine agave, crushed red pepper flake and a pinch off salt.
- stirring frequently, bring the mixture just to a simmer, then remove from heat. Allow mixture to cool in the saucepan for 1 hour to allow the red pepper flake to steep.
- Add the lemon juice and stir to combine.
- Transfer to a jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Jill
I grow lots of hot cayenne peppers and dry them for crushing. Like you, I sprinkle them on just about everything! Next tome you’re in Lexington, hit me up😂
Megan Calipari
Freshly dried and crushed red pepper flakes?! Sign me up!
Cristiana
Wow, that sounds terrific!!! I must make this looks delicious :))
Megan Calipari
Thank you!
Michelle | Taste As You Go
I love hot honey drizzled over everything. I never thought to try making something similar with agave. Thanks for the inspiration!
Megan Calipari
Thank you!
Fabiana
What an awesome recipe !! You intrigued me a lot to try it. I love trying new things in the kitchen and I love agave and all things spicy. Thanks for sharing
Megan Calipari
Its so tasty! Sweet, spicy and delicious on so many things!
Jacq
Love this recipe! Looks like it would be great for treating a cold or flu. Will pin it for later use, Thanks!
Megan Calipari
Yes! It would be amazing in some turmeric tea with a squeeze of lemon
Jeannie
It looks very easy to do, I like hot condiments so this will work for me. Bonus that its vegan!
Megan Calipari
Me too! Hot sauce on everything please!