Imagine you’ve just bitten into a piece of chicken so perfectly sauced it sings with heat and flavor—that’s what Zaxby’s Tongue Torch sauce does! If you’re a fan of a bit of heat with a ton of flavor, then you’ll absolutely love diving into this recipe. I’m going to guide you through recreating this iconic sauce right in your kitchen. Trust me, it’s not just about slathering it on chicken; it’s about crafting a masterpiece that could rival the original!

Recipe Overview
- Course: Sauce
- Cuisine: American
- Total Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Make sure you have these things ready before you begin:
- Whisk
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
We’re all set with the right tools to get that authentic Zaxby’s Tongue Torch sauce experience.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Tomato ketchup | 1 cup |
Worcestershire sauce | 2 tablespoons |
Hot sauce | 3 tablespoons |
Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
Smoked paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
Ground black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Salt | To taste |
Did you know? The original Zaxby’s Tongue Torch sauce has a unique balance of sweetness from the ketchup and a good kick from the hot sauce, which is what we’re aiming to replicate.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Mix the Base
- Whisk together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce in the saucepan over low heat. Ensure they are thoroughly combined to form the base of our sauce.
Note: Starting with cold ingredients helps to blend them smoothly without any lumps.
Step 2 – Add the Spices
- Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
Warning: Go easy on the salt as the Worcestershire and hot sauce already contain sodium.
Step 3 – Simmer to Perfection
- Continue to stir and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes or until it thickens slightly. That’s what will make the tastes go so well together.
Fact: The simmering process is key to enhancing the sauce’s depth of flavor.
Additional Tips
- Consistency Check: If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out.
- Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your heat preference.
Pairing Suggestions
This fiery sauce pairs brilliantly with:
- Fried chicken
- Grilled burgers
- A zesty dip for fries
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Amount per serving |
---|---|
Calories | 35 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 8 g |
Protein | 0 g |
Fat | 0 g |
Approximation Note: These values are approximations and might vary based on specific ingredients used.
Dietary Information
This recipe is suitable for vegetarians and can be made gluten-free by ensuring that the Worcestershire sauce used does not contain gluten.
FAQs about Zaxby’s Tongue Torch Sauce Recipe
What makes Zaxby’s Tongue Torch Sauce unique?
The unique combination of ketchup’s sweetness with the boldness of hot sauce creates a perfectly balanced, fiery sauce.
Can I make Zaxby’s Tongue Torch Sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely, it even tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.
How long can I store Zaxby’s Tongue Torch Sauce?
It can be kept in the fridge for up to a week in a container that doesn’t let air in.
What can I do to make this sauce less spicy?
Yes, reduce the amount of hot sauce and add a bit more ketchup to dilute the heat.
Can I use Zaxby’s Tongue Torch Sauce with other dishes?
Yes, it’s versatile! Try it with seafood or as a spicy dressing for salads.
Does this sauce need to be cooked?
Yes, cooking melds the flavors together and eliminates the raw taste of the spices.
What can I do to make the sauce thicker if it’s too thin?
Simmer it for a few extra minutes or add a small amount of cornstarch dissolved in water.
Conclusion
Making Zaxby’s Tongue Torch sauce at home is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. This sauce will turn any ordinary meal into an extraordinary one with just the right kick of heat. Give it a try, tweak it to your taste, and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Feel free to leave any comments, questions, or feedback about this recipe below. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you or any modifications you made!

Zaxby’s Tongue Torch Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Whisk
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup Tomato ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons Hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- To taste Salt
Instructions
Step 1 – Mix The Base
- Whisk together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce in the saucepan over low heat. Ensure they are thoroughly combined to form the base of our sauce.
- Note: Starting with cold ingredients helps to blend them smoothly without any lumps.
Step 2 – Add The Spices
- Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Warning: Go easy on the salt as the Worcestershire and hot sauce already contain sodium.
Step 3 – Simmer To Perfection
- Continue to stir and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes or until it thickens slightly. That’s what will make the tastes go so well together.
- Fact: The simmering process is key to enhancing the sauce’s depth of flavor.
Notes
- Consistency Check: If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out.
- Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your heat preference.
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