The Best Barbecue Sauce
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
28 1/4 cup Servings (About 7 cups)
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
American
The Best Barbecue Sauce
Description
This barbecue sauce recipe combines common tomato-based ingredients like ketchup and tomato sauce with brown sugar and molasses to create a sweet and savory base. Red wine vinegar adds acidity and tang, while butter enriches the mouthfeel. The addition of hickory-flavored liquid smoke imparts a smoky aroma that mimics traditional smoked barbecue sauces.
The seasoning blend, including onion and garlic powder, paprika, celery seed, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, creates a flavorful and slightly spicy profile. Adjusting spices like celery seed and black pepper allows for personal tailoring of the sauce's heat and depth. The sauce is brought to a boil and then simmered for at least 20 minutes, which thickens the mixture and intensifies the flavors.
This sauce pairs well with grilled or smoked meats, and can be used as a marinade, dipping sauce, or finishing glaze. It can be cooled and frozen for later use, making it practical for batch cooking and storage.
Ingredients
- 2 cups ketchup
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 ¼ cups brown sugar
- 1 ¼ cups red wine vinegar
- ½ cup unsulphured molasses
- 2 tablespoons butter cut into small pieces, salted
- 4 teaspoons liquid smoke hickory flavored
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ to ½ to ½ teaspoon celery seed
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ to 1 to 1 teaspoon black pepper coarsely ground
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, over medium heat, mix together all the wet ingredients and then add the seasonings.
- Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least 20 minutes or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
- Once cooled, the sauce can be frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator and use as needed.
Notes
- Spice levels can be adjusted by reducing the amount of celery seed and black pepper to suit personal taste.
- Consider using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for added smokiness.
- This barbecue sauce freezes well; thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 281/4 cup Servings (About 7 cups)
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 88kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 20g | 7% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 2mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 345mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 19g | 38% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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