Are you ready to elevate your grilling game? Forget store-bought BBQ sauces loaded with artificial ingredients. This homemade BBQ sauce recipe with tomato paste is incredibly easy, unbelievably delicious, and completely customizable to your taste. It's the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors – guaranteed to transform your next barbecue into a mouthwatering feast! This recipe offers a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights, and is a fantastic example of healthy meals you can easily prepare with homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: In a large saucepan over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion in a little oil until softened (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a delicious base for your sauce.
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Combine ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, molasses, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
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Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful your sauce will become. This slow cooking process is key to developing a deep, complex flavor profile.
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Adjust seasoning: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more brown sugar for sweetness, apple cider vinegar for tang, cayenne pepper for heat, or salt to taste.
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Blend (optional): For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
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Serve and enjoy: Your homemade BBQ sauce is ready! Serve it warm or at room temperature with your favorite grilled meats, chicken, vegetables, or even as a dipping sauce for fries.
Tips for the Best BBQ Sauce:
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your BBQ sauce will be directly impacted by the quality of your ingredients. Use good quality tomato paste and apple cider vinegar for the best results.
- Don't rush the simmering process: Allowing the sauce to simmer for a longer period develops a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Adjust the spices to your liking: This recipe is a great starting point; feel free to adjust the amount of spices to create your perfect BBQ sauce. For a sweeter sauce, increase the brown sugar. For a spicier sauce, add more cayenne pepper.
Variations:
- Spicy BBQ Sauce: Add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Sweet and Smoky BBQ Sauce: Increase the brown sugar to ¾ cup and add a teaspoon of liquid smoke for a more intense smoky flavor.
- Honey BBQ Sauce: Replace the brown sugar with an equal amount of honey for a sweeter, more delicate flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Around 100-120 calories (depending on variations and serving size)
This easy BBQ sauce recipe is a great addition to your repertoire of delicious dishes and best recipes. It's perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks looking to create flavorful, homemade meals. Enjoy!