Best BBQ Sauce Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
10 (makes about 3 cups)
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Calories
76 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
American
Best BBQ Sauce Recipe
Description
The Best BBQ Sauce Recipe blends common pantry ingredients like ketchup and molasses with Worcestershire sauce and vinegar to create a balanced, richly flavored base. Spices such as smoked and regular paprika, chili powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper add layers of warming and smoky complexity. Cooking the sauce gently, with optional simmering time and a little water, allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to a desirable consistency. Liquid smoke is optional but adds a subtle smoky undertone when included.
This sauce works well as a classic condiment for grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce. Its thick, rich texture coats foods evenly, making it suitable for basting or serving on the side. The recipe's flexibility in simmer time and seasoning adjustments accommodates varying taste preferences and cooking schedules.
For convenience, the sauce freezes well for up to 3-4 months when sealed properly. Thaw in the refrigerator or gently reheat from frozen with a bit of water to restore consistency. Choosing a pure liquid smoke made solely from smoke and water enhances the sauce with authentic aroma without additives.
Ingredients
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked, if possible
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke optional
- 1/4 cup water optional, for simmering
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a medium pot on the stove: 2 cups ketchup, 1/3 cup Worcestershire, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 3 tablespoons molasses, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (use less if all you have is table salt), 1 teaspoon black pepper (use a pepper grinder if you have one!), 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke.*
- Add 1/4 cup water if you have a half hour to simmer. If you're short on time, leave the water out.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium high heat. Simmer 5 minutes if you didn't add the water.
- Simmer at a low bubble for about 25 minutes if you did add the water, or up to an hour. (add more water in increments if it starts to get too thick.) The longer you cook, the more time your ingredients will have to marry and meld together, enhancing flavor. (The extra water we added should all bubble off by the time it has simmered a half hour. We want nice and thick BBQ sauce. The water is added so that it doesn't get too thick as you simmer to achieve more flavor.)
- Once you have simmered as long as you like, turn off the heat and let come to room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Serve warm or room temperature with anything you can think of! Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork, use it on an epic Tri-Tip sandwich, slap it on Nana's Ribs, brush your grilled chicken, top a hot dog, make BBQ Meatballs. The possibilities are endless!
- Store leftovers tightly sealed in the fridge for several weeks, as long as you would keep ketchup.
Notes
- Use a liquid smoke brand with only water and smoke for authentic flavor.
- Freeze the sauce in sealed bags for up to 3-4 months; thaw overnight or gently reheat from frozen with added water.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10(makes about 3 cups)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 76 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 76kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 20g | 7% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 0.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.02g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.02g | 0% |
| Potassium | 307mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 0.3g | 1% |
| Sugar | 16g | 32% |
| Vitamin A | 412IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 32mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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