Hot sauces

 Buffalo Style Sauce!

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Buffalo chicken wings

Ever wonder what buffalo chicken sauce really is? Or maybe the dilemma for you is how to get your wings to sing? Well, you have a treat coming! Here at The Chilli Workshop, we just love all things spicy. Now, though, we are totally obsessed with the subject of Buffalo sauce. So let’s take a little journey back to 1964. Just imagine this: late at night in Buffalo, New York. Teressa Bellissimo, co-owner of the Anchor Bar, whips something up to feed her son and his buddies. She takes some chicken wings, tosses them in some spicy sauce, and—just like that—the Buffalo wing is born. What about the sauce? Well, here comes the interesting part: Teressa’s recipe was a secret from day one. Yet food enthusiasts and chefs did crack the code over the years to make this tangy spicy delight we get to enjoy today.

A late-night snack has grown into a worldwide sensation: Buffalo hot wings sauce isn’t just for wings anymore. It’s on pizzas, mixed into dips, and even pops up on sophisticated restaurants’ menus. In the UK, we’ve opened our arms wide to this American classic. In The Chilli Workshop, we have been watching it grow in popularity. No longer is it a takeaway staple, but more and more people are looking to create their buffalo chicken sauce recipe in the home kitchen. But pray tell, what is this flavour bomb? At the core, buffalo chicken sauce is a zesty mix of hot sauce, butter, vinegar, and spices. It is named after its birthplace, Buffalo, New York—not the animal! This is the secret sauce for killer wings, but it is so much more versatile than that.

Ever wondered how to make buffalo chicken sauce from scratch? At The Chilli Workshop, we tried our hand at making a sauce that tickles your tinglies. It is fantastically balanced with heat, tang, and richness in all the right proportions. This is the perfect sauce for that big game night you’re planning, or just to jazz up your midweek dinner. It’s dead easy to make with just things you probably have in your kitchen. Plus, way tastier than anything you’d buy in a bottle. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your saucepan, and let’s get cooking! Trust us, once you try this homemade buffalo hot wings sauce, you’ll never go back to store-bought.

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Hot hot sauces

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Super hot sauces

We’re about to dive into the scorching world of hot hot sauces, where your average condiment fears to tread. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill table sauces – oh no, we’re talking about tongue-blistering, sweat-inducing concoctions that’ll have you questioning your life choices.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about the Scoville Scale. This isn’t just some fancy thermometer; it’s the holy grail of heat measurement in the chilli world. Your garden-variety jalapeño? It’s a mere tickle at 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). But the sauces we’re about to explore? They’re in a whole different league, mate. We’re talking over 1,000,000 SHU – that’s not heat, that’s bloody lava in a bottle!

Now, you might be wondering, “Who in their right mind would want to subject themselves to such torture?” Well, let me tell you, there’s a whole community of heat enthusiasts out there who live for this stuff. They’re not just after the burn; they’re chasing the endorphin rush, the flavour complexity, and yes, maybe a bit of bragging rights. It’s a culinary extreme sport, if you will, and these hot hot sauces are the Mount Everest of the condiment world.

Now, buckle up and grab a glass of milk. We’re about to embark on a tour of the hottest of the hot, the crème de la crème of crazy heat. From YouTube sensations to Aussie face-melters, we’ve got a lineup that’ll make your taste buds stand up and beg for mercy. So, if you’re ready to push your palate to its limits and beyond, let’s dive into the fiery world of hot hot sauces!

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Mild Sweet Chilli Sauce

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A Global Culinary Phenomenon

Mild sweet chilli sauce has evolved from its Thai origins to become a global culinary phenomenon, captivating taste buds across diverse cultures and cuisines. Known as “nam chim kai” in Thailand, this delicate balance of gentle heat and sweet-tangy flavors has been a cornerstone of Thai cooking for generations. Its journey from Southeast Asian kitchens to international pantries is a testament to its versatility and broad appeal. The sauce’s ability to complement a wide range of dishes, from grilled meats to vegetable stir-fries, has contributed to its widespread adoption and adaptation in various culinary traditions worldwide.

In the United Kingdom, the popularity of mild sweet chilli sauce has surged dramatically over the past two decades, transforming it from an exotic condiment to a household staple. British supermarket shelves now boast an impressive array of options, catering to every preference and budget. Established brands like Blue Dragon compete with supermarket own-labels from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and others, offering consumers a wide selection. These sauces are typically packaged in convenient glass bottles or squeeze bottles, with volumes ranging from 190ml to 300ml to suit different household needs. The pricing is generally accessible, with most options falling between £1 to £1.50, and budget-friendly alternatives often available for even less, making it an affordable

luxury for many British consumers.

The integration of mild sweet chilli sauce into British cuisine has been both widespread and creative. In pubs and casual dining establishments across the UK, it has emerged as a popular alternative to traditional condiments, challenging the long-standing dominance of ketchup and mayonnaise as the go-to dipping sauce for chips (fries). Its versatility shines in diverse settings, from university canteens to local cafes, where it’s become a favoured topping for jacket potatoes, often paired with cheese or tuna mayonnaise for a satisfying meal. The sauce has also found its way into quintessentially British snacks, becoming a common accompaniment to sausage rolls and a fixture in kebab shops, where it stands alongside more traditional sauce options.

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Hot sauces in the UK

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Great hot sauces

When it comes to adding a kick to your meals, hot sauces are the go-to choice for many. The UK’s love for spicy food has blossomed over recent years, with more people eager to experiment with different levels of heat and flavours. Whether you’re adding a dash of excitement to a classic dish or seeking an adventurous culinary experience, hot sauces offer an endless array of possibilities. However, with the vast array of options available, it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out where to start. From mild and tangy to fiery and bold, there’s a hot sauce out there for everyone.

In recent years mainly due to the UK’S  rich history , the hot sauce market in the UK has exploded, reflecting a growing fascination with global cuisines and an adventurous spirit in the kitchen. From the smoky depths of chipotle to the bright zing of lemon piri piri, there’s a world of flavours waiting to be explored. This burgeoning interest in hot sauces is more than just a trend; it’s a culinary revolution. People are not only looking to add heat to their dishes but also seeking complex flavor profiles that enhance and complement their meals.

Whether you’re a seasoned chilli aficionado who can handle the hottest sauces or a curious newbie just beginning to explore the world of spice, we’re here to guide you through the fascinating variety of hot sauces available in the UK. Our goal is to answer your burning questions, share some spicy tips, and introduce you to a range of hot sauces that will tantalize your taste buds.

In this post, we’ll explore common concerns such as choosing the right hot sauce for your taste, discovering local UK-made options, and how to incorporate these sauces into your everyday meals. We’ll demystify the selection process, helping you understand the different types of hot sauces, their flavour profiles, and their ideal culinary uses.

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Louisiana hot sauce

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A Rich History and Unique Flavour

Louisiana hot sauce is more than just a condiment—it’s a culinary tradition that brings a burst of flavour and heat to any dish. Whether you’re a seasoned hot sauce aficionado or a curious newcomer, there’s always something new to discover about this fiery favourite. In this article, we’ll delve into its history, introduce well-known brands, and offer tips on how to enjoy Louisiana hot sauce in your meals.

Louisiana hot sauce boasts a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Known for its simple yet bold ingredients—aged Chilli peppers, vinegar, and salt—it creates a tangy, spicy flavour that enhances many dishes.

Avery Island, the birthplace of the iconic Tabasco sauce, is central to this history. The McIlhenny family began producing Tabasco there in 1868, thanks to the island’s unique salt dome and ideal pepper-growing climate. Today, Tabasco is still made on Avery Island using the same family recipe and traditions.

In the early 20th century, the McIlhenny Company sought to protect its “Tabasco” trademark when B.F. Trappey’s Sons, Inc. began using the name for their hot sauce. The court ruled in favour of McIlhenny, affirming their exclusive right to the “Tabasco” name. This landmark case emphasised the importance of trademark protection and brand identity.

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Sriracha sauce recipe

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A bowl of homemade Sriracha sauce on a wooden table surrounded by green and red Chillies

Sriracha hot sauce

This post features a simple, economical, and delicious recipe for Sriracha sauce. Originating from the coastal city of Si Racha in Thailand’s Chonburi Province, it was crafted in the early 20th century by Thanom Chakkapak, incorporating chillies  vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt.

In Thai cuisine, Sriracha is a traditional seafood dip, enhancing dishes like grilled fish and shellfish with its spicy, tangy flavour. Its popularity expanded beyond Thailand in the 1980s when Vietnamese-American entrepreneur David Tran established Huy Fong Foods in Los Angeles, California. Tran’s rendition of Sriracha, inspired by the original Thai recipe, gained traction with its introduction as “Sriracha Hot Chilli Sauce” in the early 1980s. Embraced by Asian communities in the United States, its distinct flavour and versatility propelled its popularity.

As Huy Fong Foods‘ Sriracha sauce gained momentum, it became a staple in American kitchens and beyond. Its iconic packaging, featuring a rooster emblem and vibrant green cap, became instantly recognizable. Over the years, Sriracha’s appeal has transcended cultural boundaries, finding its way into diverse cuisines and culinary creations worldwide. Whether used as a condiment, marinade, or ingredient in recipes, Sriracha continues to delight taste buds with its fiery kick and savoury undertones, cementing its status as a beloved and enduring culinary classic. So lets put on our aprons, get out the Chillies and lets start making  our recipe for Sriracha hot sauce

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