Are you ready to elevate your grilling game? Forget store-bought sauces – this Gates BBQ sauce recipe delivers that authentic, smoky, tangy flavor that will have you licking your fingers clean. It's incredibly easy to make, perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks looking for a homemade touch that beats anything you'll find in the supermarket. This recipe is a quick dinner idea, a healthy meal addition (depending on what you pair it with!), and a fantastic way to showcase your homemade cooking skills. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, molasses, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
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Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Thicken the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
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Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more brown sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or cayenne pepper for heat.
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Cool and Store: Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This sauce will keep for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Tips for the Best BBQ Sauce:
- Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the sauce will taste. Look for good quality ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika.
- Don't rush the simmering process: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Taste and adjust as you go: Don't be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your personal preferences. Everyone's taste buds are different!
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Gates BBQ Sauce: Add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Sweet Gates BBQ Sauce: Increase the brown sugar to 1/3 cup for a sweeter sauce.
- Smoky Gates BBQ Sauce: Add a few drops of liquid smoke for an even smokier flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's best to use a nutrition calculator for a precise analysis based on your chosen brands.
- Calories: Approximately 80-100
- Fat: Negligible
- Protein: Negligible
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20g
- Sugar: Approximately 15g
This easy recipe makes a delicious and versatile BBQ sauce perfect for all your grilling needs. Enjoy!