BBQ Sauce Recipe
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A good BBQ sauce can turn simple grilled food into something special. This homemade BBQ sauce has a rich, smoky, sweet and tangy taste that works well with chicken, ribs, burgers and pulled pork. It uses simple pantry ingredients and takes only a short time to cook. You can make it mild or add more spice to match your taste. The best part is the texture. It becomes thick enough to coat meat without running off. I like making a batch before a weekend cookout because it keeps well in the fridge and makes quick meals much easier.
What is BBQ Sauce
BBQ sauce is a thick sauce used to flavor grilled, smoked or roasted foods. Most versions combine tomato sauce or ketchup with vinegar, brown sugar, spices and seasonings. Some sauces taste sweet, while others have a stronger smoky, spicy or tangy flavor. This homemade BBQ sauce balances all three.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients: Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan and stir until well mixed.
- Simmer the sauce: Place the pan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook slowly: Reduce the heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes. Stir often so the sauce does not stick to the bottom.
- Check the texture: The sauce should look smooth and thick. It will become slightly thicker as it cools.
- Taste and adjust: Add more brown sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or cayenne for heat.
- Cool and store: Let the BBQ sauce cool before using. Store it in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator.
Essential Note: Keep the heat low once the sauce starts simmering. High heat can make the sugar stick and burn before the sauce reaches the right thickness. Stir every few minutes, especially near the end of cooking. For a smoother sauce, blend it with an immersion blender after cooking. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of water. If it looks too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes. Taste the sauce while it is warm, but remember that the flavors become more balanced as it cools. Brush BBQ sauce on meat during the final 10-15 minutes of grilling so the sugar does not burn. For pulled pork, chicken or ribs, you can also serve it on the side. Let cooked meat rest before adding extra sauce so the juices stay inside.
Recipe Notes
This BBQ sauce gives you a sweet, tangy and smoky flavor with gentle heat. Adjust the sugar, vinegar and spices to suit your meal.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Use smoked paprika and molasses for a deeper BBQ flavor without adding liquid smoke. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer instead of a hard boil. This helps the sugar cook slowly and gives the sauce a smooth texture.
Taste the sauce near the end and adjust one ingredient at a time. A little vinegar adds brightness, while brown sugar softens sharp flavors. For spicy BBQ sauce, increase the cayenne or chili powder slowly.
Do not brush the sauce on meat too early when grilling. The sugar can burn over high heat. Add a thin layer during the last few minutes, then add another layer after turning the meat.
For a thicker sauce, cook it longer. For a thinner sauce, add a small amount of water. Always cool the sauce before storing it in the refrigerator.
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