Zaxby's Tongue Torch Sauce Recipe

Zaxby’s Tongue Torch Sauce Recipe

 Imagine biting into a crispy chicken finger and dunking it into a sauce that hits just the right balance of heat and flavor. That’s the magic of Zaxby’s Tongue Torch Sauce. Zaxby’s restaurant is renowned for its variety of delicious sauces, and Tongue Torch is one of their most popular. This spicy sauce is a fan favorite, especially for pairing with Zaxby’s Chicken Fingerz. It’s not just about the heat—it’s about that perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory that keeps you coming back for more.

In this article, I’ll share my version of the Zaxby’s Tongue Torch Sauce recipe, so you can enjoy this amazing flavor right in your kitchen!

Zaxby's Tongue Torch Sauce Copycat

Ingredients List

  • ½ pound of red ripe Fresno Peppers (about 8-10 chilies)
  • ½ of a normal-sized onion (around 4 oz or 1/4 lb)
  • 1 large red bell pepper (yellow or orange bell peppers can be used, but avoid green bell peppers)
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • cup of white vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika (regular paprika can be substituted)
  • Olive oil for cooking

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Cutting board
  • knife
  • Cast iron pan or heavy-bottomed pan
  • Blender (high-powered preferred)
  • Gloves (for handling hot peppers)
  • Spoon (for scooping seeds)
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cup

How To Make Zaxby’s Tongue Torch Sauce

Step 1 | Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Red Bell Pepper: Cut off the top, remove the stem and seeds, and cut into large chunks (4-6 pieces).
  2. Fresno Peppers: Cut off the tops, slice lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Consider wearing gloves to prevent skin irritation.
  3. Garlic: Peel and crush the cloves.
  4. Onion: Cut into large chunks.

Prepare the Vegetables

Step 2 | Cook the Vegetables

  1. Heat a cast iron or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add a small drizzle of olive oil.
  2. Once the oil is shimmering, add the peppers and onion chunks, skin-side down. Cook for 4-6 minutes until nicely charred. The bell peppers may take longer, so you might need to swap out the Fresnos while the bell peppers continue to cook.
  3. Add the garlic cloves in the last 2 minutes to brown them without burning.
  4. Ensure the ingredients have a good char and are softened.

Cook the Vegetables

Step 3 | Blend the Sauce

  1. Transfer the cooked ingredients (bell pepper, Fresnos, onion, and garlic) to a high-powered blender.
  2. Add the salt, smoked paprika, and ⅔ cup of white vinegar.
  3. Blend on low to start, then gradually increase the speed until the sauce is smooth.
  4. Let the sauce settle before opening the blender.

Blend the Sauce

Step 4 | Adjust and Store

  1. Check the consistency and taste. If needed, thin it out with a bit of water or more vinegar.
  2. Pour the sauce into hot sauce bottles or mason jars. The sauce will thicken slightly in the refrigerator.

Adjust and Store

Tips and Tricks

  • Wear Gloves: When handling Fresno peppers to avoid skin irritation.
  • Char the Vegetables Well: This adds depth to the flavor.
  • Adjust Consistency: Start with less liquid; you can always add more if needed.
  • Spice It Up: Feel free to add spices like cumin, black pepper, or herbs if you want to experiment with the flavor.

Flavor Profile of Tongue Torch Sauce

The Tongue Torch Sauce is known for its vibrant, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor. The combination of Fresno peppers and red bell peppers provides a balanced heat, while the charred onions and garlic add a savory depth.

The smoked paprika introduces a subtle smokiness that enhances the overall taste, making this sauce a well-rounded companion for various dishes.

What Can You Serve with This Sauce?

This versatile hot sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods. Here are some ideas:

  1. Chicken Fingerz: Just like at Zaxby’s, this sauce is perfect for dipping crispy chicken tenders.
  2. Burgers: Add a spicy kick to your burgers by spreading some Tongue Torch Sauce on the bun.
  3. Grilled Vegetables: Drizzle it over grilled veggies for an extra layer of flavor.
  4. Tacos: Use it as a fiery topping for your tacos.
  5. Fries: Dip your fries in this sauce for a deliciously spicy snack.

Storage and Shelf Life

To store your Tongue Torch Sauce, pour it into clean, airtight jars or bottles. Keep the sauce in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.

If you want to extend its shelf life, consider canning the sauce using proper canning methods.

Zaxby's Tongue Torch Sauce Recipe

Zaxby's Tongue Torch Sauce Recipe

Yield: 1 Cup
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Enjoy the perfect balance of heat and flavor with this Zaxby's Tongue Torch Sauce recipe. Ideal for chicken fingers, burgers, and more. Ready in just 20 minutes!

Ingredients

  • ½ pound of red ripe Fresno Peppers (about 8-10 chilies)
  • ½ of a normal-sized onion (around 4 oz or 1/4 lb)
  • 1 large red bell pepper (yellow or orange bell peppers can be used, but avoid green bell peppers)
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • ⅔ cup of white vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika (regular paprika can be substituted)
  • Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

Step 1 | Prepare the Vegetables

Red Bell Pepper: Cut off the top, remove the stem and seeds, and cut into large chunks (4-6 pieces).

Fresno Peppers: Cut off the tops, slice lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Consider wearing gloves to prevent skin irritation.

Garlic: Peel and crush the cloves.

Onion: Cut into large chunks.

Step 2 | Cook the Vegetables

Heat a cast iron or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add a small drizzle of olive oil.

Once the oil is shimmering, add the peppers and onion chunks, skin-side down. Cook for 4-6 minutes until nicely charred. The bell peppers may take longer, so you might need to swap out the Fresnos while the bell peppers continue to cook.

Add the garlic cloves in the last 2 minutes to brown them without burning.

Ensure the ingredients have a good char and are softened.

Step 3 | Blend the Sauce

Transfer the cooked ingredients (bell pepper, Fresnos, onion, and garlic) to a high-powered blender.

Add the salt, smoked paprika, and ⅔ cup of white vinegar.

Blend on low to start, then gradually increase the speed until the sauce is smooth.

Let the sauce settle before opening the blender.

Step 4 | Adjust and Store

Check the consistency and taste. If needed, thin it out with a bit of water or more vinegar.

Pour the sauce into hot sauce bottles or mason jars. The sauce will thicken slightly in the refrigerator.

Zaxby’s Tongue Torch Sauce Recipe FAQs

1. How spicy is Tongue Torch Sauce?

Tongue Torch Sauce has a moderate level of spiciness. It’s hot but not overwhelmingly so, making it enjoyable for most spice lovers.

2. Can I use different peppers?

Yes, you can substitute Fresno peppers with other red chilies like red jalapenos or serrano peppers for a different heat level.

3. Is smoked paprika necessary?

Smoked paprika adds a unique flavor, but you can use regular paprika if you prefer or don’t have smoked paprika on hand.

4. How do I thin the sauce if it’s too thick?

You can thin the sauce with a little water or additional vinegar until you reach your desired consistency.

5. Can I make this sauce milder?

To make a milder version, reduce the number of Fresno peppers and add more red bell pepper.

6. What should I do if the sauce is too spicy?

If the sauce is too spicy, you can balance it out by adding a bit more vinegar or a small amount of sugar.

7. Is it necessary to char the vegetables?

Charring the vegetables adds a deep, smoky flavor, but if you prefer a milder taste, you can skip this step.

Conclusion

If you love bold flavors and a bit of heat, Zaxby’s Tongue Torch Sauce Recipe is a must-try. With its smoky, spicy kick and touch of sweetness, it’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, or spicing up any meal.

Give it a try and experience the deliciousness of homemade Tongue Torch Sauce.

We hope you enjoyed this recipe! Share your thoughts when you try it at home in the comments section below. If you have any questions or need clarification, feel free to ask. Don’t forget to follow us on FacebookInstagramPinterest, and Reddit for the latest updates and more delicious recipes.

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