Made with mustard, honey, molasses, sriracha and a blend of spices, this classic Memphis honey gold sauce delivers sweet, tangy flavor perfect for chicken wings, tenders and more.
If you haven’t visited Memphis, Tennessee, yet, this sauce is a delicious introduction. Memphis is renowned for its chicken wings, with hundreds of spots across the city, and honey gold is one of the region’s favorite sauces.
Important Ingredient Notes
The full ingredient list with exact measurements is in the recipe card below.
- Dijon mustard. Provides tang and a peppery note to balance the sweetness.
- Honey. Brings natural sweetness and a smooth finish.
- Brown sugar. Adds rich, caramel-like depth.
- Molasses. Deep, robust sweetness that rounds out the sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar. A touch of acidity to keep the sauce bright.
- Sriracha. Adds mild heat; adjust to taste or omit for a milder sauce.
- Garlic. Fresh garlic adds savory complexity.
- Spices. Paprika, onion and garlic powders plus mustard powder help build a balanced flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use yellow mustard in place of Dijon for a milder, brighter sauce.
- Replace honey with pure maple syrup for a different sweet note.
- Swap apple cider vinegar for fresh lemon juice for citrusy acidity.
- Use Tabasco or another preferred hot sauce if you don’t have sriracha.
How to Make This Recipe
Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir and simmer for 3–5 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool a bit before tossing with wings or serving as a dip.
Recipe FAQs
Honey gold sauce is sweet and tangy, built on mustard with caramel notes from brown sugar and molasses, savory garlic, and a hint of heat.
It has only a gentle warmth from sriracha. Omit or reduce the hot sauce if you prefer no heat.
Yes. Freeze in portioned freezer bags and thaw in the refrigerator when needed.
How To Serve This Sauce
This honey gold sauce is outstanding tossed with chicken wings, but it works equally well on tenders, nuggets or fried shrimp. Other serving ideas:
- Dip for raw or roasted vegetables
- Dip for fries or onion rings
- Spread for sandwiches and wraps
- Dressing for green salads
- Glaze for grilled or roasted meats
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Prepare the sauce up to two days ahead and keep it sealed in the refrigerator. Leftovers will keep up to one week chilled.
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If you try this Memphis Honey Gold Sauce, please leave a star rating and share your feedback in the comments. Thanks for stopping by!
📖 Recipe
Memphis Honey Gold Sauce
Ashley Boyd
5 mins
5 mins
10 mins
Condiment
American
12 servings
71 kcal
Equipment
-
Medium saucepan
-
Mason jar or airtight container
Ingredients
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar (or light brown)
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2–3 teaspoons sriracha (or preferred hot sauce)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened. Let the sauce cool a bit before using to coat chicken wings or as a dip.
Notes
- Make the sauce up to two days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. Stored leftovers will keep up to one week in the fridge.
Nutrition
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