Tired of store-bought barbecue sauces loaded with hidden sugars and artificial ingredients? Get ready to transform your grilling game with this incredibly simple, homemade sugar-free barbecue sauce that packs a punch of flavor without the unnecessary calories. In just 20 minutes, you'll create a versatile condiment that will have your taste buds dancing and your health-conscious friends begging for the recipe!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and measuring tools, ensuring you have a medium saucepan ready for cooking.
- In the saucepan, combine tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, whisking them together until well blended.
- Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to the sauce mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer while continuously stirring to prevent burning.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for approximately 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper incrementally, stirring and tasting after each addition to achieve your desired flavor profile.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the barbecue sauce cool to room temperature, which will further help it thicken.
- Transfer the cooled sauce to a clean glass jar or airtight container for storage in the refrigerator.
- The sauce can be stored for up to one week when kept refrigerated in a sealed container.
Tips
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching and ensure even heat distribution.
- Whisk ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated sauce.
- Simmer on low heat to develop rich, deep flavors without burning.
- Taste and adjust seasonings gradually - you can always add more, but you can't take away.
- For a smoother consistency, you can blend the sauce after cooking for a more uniform texture.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a few minutes longer to reduce and concentrate flavors.
- Store in an airtight glass container to maintain freshness and prevent flavor contamination.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce during cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 10kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
