Imagine impressing your friends and family with a barbecue sauce so delicious, they'll think it came straight from a gourmet restaurant. This homemade barbecue sauce isn't just another condiment – it's a flavor explosion that will transform your grilling game forever! Forget store-bought bottles and prepare to discover the ultimate secret to creating a sauce that rivals the legendary Sweet Baby Ray's, right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients: 1 cup of ketchup, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Once the sauce starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low. This will help to meld the flavors together without burning the sauce.
- Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir until all the spices are evenly incorporated.
- Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency.
- After 30 minutes, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a little more brown sugar for sweetness or more vinegar for tang, depending on your preference.
- Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. It will thicken further as it cools.
- Transfer the barbecue sauce to a clean jar or container. Allow it to cool completely before sealing it with a lid.
- Store the homemade barbecue sauce in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Use it as a marinade, dipping sauce, or glaze for your favorite grilled meats.
Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients: The key to an exceptional sauce is using fresh, premium spices and condiments.
- Stir constantly: To prevent burning and ensure even flavor distribution, keep stirring the sauce during the simmering process.
- Adjust to taste: Don't be afraid to tweak the recipe. Add more brown sugar for sweetness or extra vinegar for tanginess.
- Low and slow is the way to go: Simmer the sauce on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Cool before storing: Let the sauce cool completely before refrigerating to help it thicken and develop deeper flavors.
- Storage tip: This homemade sauce will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks – if it lasts that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 60kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
