Franks Red Hot Copycat Recipe: Easy Homemade Sauce You’ll Love

Nothing beats the kick of Frank’s Red Hot, whether you’re drizzling it over wings or spicing up your favorite dishes. I’ve always loved the bold flavor it brings, and making a copycat recipe at home is easier than you might think.

In this recipe, I’ll guide you through creating that signature taste using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Imagine having your own batch of fiery sauce ready whenever the craving strikes. Plus, homemade means you can tweak the heat level to match your preference.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cayenne peppers, fresh or dried
• 2 cups distilled white vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, for thickness)

Tools Needed

To create the perfect copycat Frank’s Red Hot sauce, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Medium-Sized Saucepan: Ideal for simmering your ingredients evenly without burning.
• Blender: A high-quality blender is essential for achieving a smooth and consistent sauce texture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key when balancing flavors, so accurate measurements are a must.
• Funnel: Helps in transferring the sauce effortlessly into bottles or jars without spills.
• Glass Bottles or Jars: For storing your homemade hot sauce safely and conveniently.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from the heat of the peppers while handling and chopping.
• Stirring Utensil: A silicone spatula or wooden spoon works best for mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Heat-Resistant Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the saucepan to ensure nothing sticks.
• Label and Marker: Perfect for dating your sauce batches and keeping track of flavors.

Having these tools ready will streamline the cooking process and help you craft a delicious, professional-quality hot sauce right in your kitchen.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing your Frank’s Red Hot copycat sauce in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. Follow these steps to make-ahead your hot sauce for convenient use anytime.

1. Cook the Sauce

After blending all your ingredients, pour the mixture into a medium-sized saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat and let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.

1. Cool the Sauce

Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Cooling ensures that condensation doesn’t form in your storage containers, maintaining the sauce’s quality.

1. Transfer to Containers

Using a funnel, carefully pour the cooled sauce into sterilized glass bottles or jars. Fill each container, leaving about a quarter-inch of headspace to accommodate expansion if freezing.

1. Label and Date

Attach labels to each container with the date of preparation and the batch number. This practice helps you keep track of freshness and manage your inventory effectively.

1. Store Properly

Depending on how soon you plan to use the sauce, choose an appropriate storage method:

1. Refrigerate or Freeze

• Refrigeration: Place the labeled containers in the refrigerator for easy access and daily use.
• Freezing: If you intend to store the sauce for an extended period, transfer it to freezer-safe containers to preserve its freshness and flavor.

By following these make-ahead instructions, you’ll have a steady supply of homemade hot sauce ready to elevate your dishes whenever the craving strikes.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your own Frank’s Red Hot copycat sauce. Each phase ensures the perfect blend of heat and flavor.

Prep

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Measure 1 cup cayenne pepper, removing any stems and seeds.
• Gather 1 cup distilled white vinegar.
• Measure ½ cup water.
• Have 1 teaspoon salt ready.
• Prepare ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon sugar, ¼ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon onion powder.
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum for thickness.

1. Gather Your Tools

• Medium-sized saucepan
• High-quality blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Funnel
• Glass bottles or jars for storage
• Gloves for handling peppers
• Stirring utensil and heat-resistant spatula
• Labels for tracking batches

Cook

1. Combine Ingredients

• In the saucepan, combine cayenne peppers, distilled white vinegar, water, salt, garlic powder, and optional ingredients if using.

1. Simmer the Mixture

• Place the saucepan over medium heat.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
• Let it simmer for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.

1. Blend the Sauce

• Remove the saucepan from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
• Carefully transfer the mixture to the blender.
• Blend until smooth, ensuring there are no pepper chunks.

Finish

1. Adjust Consistency

• If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water and blend again.
• For a thicker sauce, mix in xanthan gum and blend until fully incorporated.

1. Sterilize Storage Containers

• While the sauce cools, sterilize your glass bottles or jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
• Let them dry completely before use.

1. Bottle the Sauce

• Use a funnel to pour the blended sauce into the sterilized containers.
• Seal the containers tightly.

1. Label and Store

• Label each bottle with the preparation date and batch number.
• Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 months, freeze for up to 6 months, or can for up to 1 year.

Storage Tips

Storing your homemade Frank’s Red Hot copycat sauce properly ensures it stays fresh and flavorful for months to come. Here’s how I keep my sauce at its best:

1. Cool Completely

• After cooking, allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation inside your storage containers, which can affect the sauce’s texture and shelf life.

1. Sterilize Containers

• I use glass bottles or mason jars for storage. To sterilize, wash them in hot, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and place them in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes. Let them air dry on a clean towel.

1. Transfer the Sauce

• Using a funnel, carefully pour the cooled sauce into the sterilized containers. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion if freezing.

1. Seal and Label

• Seal the containers tightly with airtight lids. I always label each jar with the preparation date and batch number to keep track of freshness.

1. Choose Your Storage Method

• Depending on how soon you plan to use the sauce, select the appropriate storage method:

1. Refrigerate

• For immediate use, store the sauce in the refrigerator. This keeps it fresh and ready to spice up your meals.

1. Freeze

• If you want to keep the sauce longer, freezing is a great option. Place the sealed containers in the freezer, and thaw in the refrigerator when you’re ready to use.

1. Canning

• For long-term storage, canning is ideal. Follow proper canning procedures to ensure safety and extend the shelf life up to a year. Always check seals before use.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your homemade hot sauce whenever the craving strikes, knowing it’s preserved perfectly for any culinary adventure.

Conclusion

Making my own version of Frank’s Red Hot has been a game changer in my kitchen. There’s something special about crafting a sauce that matches my taste perfectly. I love knowing exactly what goes into every batch and being able to tweak the heat whenever I want. Plus having it on hand means I’m always ready to spice up my favorite dishes.

Trying out this copycat recipe is easier than you might think. With simple ingredients and some basic tools you probably already have, you can create a sauce that rivals the original. Whether you’re a hot sauce enthusiast or just looking to add a little kick to your meals, this homemade option is a fantastic addition to your pantry. Give it a try and enjoy the flavorful boost it brings to your cooking.