Kickin' Sweet and Spicy Mountain Dew Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Mountain Dew
  • 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup of brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup of hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon of onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons of chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons of cold water

Steps and instructions

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the Mountain Dew, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Stir the mixture well until the brown sugar is completely dissolved.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This will serve as a thickening agent for your sauce.
  5. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan, stirring constantly.
  6. Continue to simmer the sauce for another 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired thickness. Remember to stir frequently to prevent the sauce from burning.
  7. Once done, remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool before using.
  8. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Tools for making

  • Saucepan - Needed for cooking and simmering the sauce ingredients.
  • Whisk - Essential for stirring and combining the sauce ingredients thoroughly.
  • Mixing Bowl - To prepare the cornstarch mixture for thickening the sauce.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - For accurate measurement of ingredients.
  • Spatula - For scraping the sides of the saucepan and ensuring even cooking.
  • Airtight Container - To store the finished sauce in the refrigerator.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute honey or maple syrup for the brown sugar for a different sweet flavor profile.
  • Add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for a deeper umami taste.
  • Incorporate minced ginger or grated fresh ginger for a zesty kick.
  • Experiment with different types of hot sauce to vary the level of spiciness and flavor complexity.
  • Try using lime juice or lemon juice for a citrusy tang.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for an extra layer of heat.
  • For a smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or smoked salt.
  • Adjust the consistency by increasing or decreasing the amount of cornstarch slurry to your preference.
  • For a thicker sauce, blend in a small amount of tomato paste or ketchup.
  • For a unique twist, infuse the sauce with herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint.

Recipe overview

This Spicy Mountain Dew Sauce recipe is a unique blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors that can elevate any dish. With the unexpected addition of Mountain Dew, you will get a tantalizing sauce that's tangy, with a kick of heat from the hot sauce and chili flakes, balanced by the sweetness of brown sugar. The recipe involves a simple process of combining and simmering the ingredients. The end result is a versatile sauce that can be used as a marinade, dip, or glaze. It goes well with chicken wings, BBQ, tacos, and even as a topping for burgers and hot dogs. This sauce can be easily prepared in about 30 minutes and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Happy cooking!

TimeApprox. 35 min
ServingsThis recipe makes about 2.5 cups of sauce, which is approximately 20 servings, assuming a serving size is 2 tablespoons.
CaloriesApprox. 850
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Common questions

  1. Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the sauce? Yes, you can adjust the amount of hot sauce and chili flakes to control the spiciness of the sauce.
  2. Can I substitute Mountain Dew with another soda? While Mountain Dew adds a unique flavor, you can experiment with other citrus sodas as substitutes.
  3. How long can I store the sauce? You can store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
  4. Can I use cornstarch alternatives for thickening? Yes, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca flour as alternatives to cornstarch for thickening the sauce.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Saucepan - essential for cooking and simmering the sauce ingredients.
  • Whisk - helps in stirring and mixing the ingredients evenly.
  • Bowl - for combining the cornstarch and water to create a thickening agent.
  • Spatula - useful for scraping the sides of the saucepan and ensuring all ingredients are well mixed.
  • Airtight container - for storing any leftover sauce in the refrigerator.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - for accurate measurement of ingredients.

Origin stories

While the Spicy Mountain Dew Sauce is a modern culinary innovation that doesn't have a long-standing cultural origin, the story of Mountain Dew itself is quite interesting. The popular soda was created in the 1940s by two Tennessee bottlers, Barney and Ally Hartman, as a mixer for whiskey when their preferred brand was unavailable. The name "Mountain Dew" is actually a slang term for homemade whiskey, also known as moonshine. Tranformed over time into a beloved, citrus-flavored soda, Mountain Dew now finds its way into unique recipes like this spicy sauce, showcasing the beverage's versatility beyond being a simple thirst quencher.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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