Are you ready to elevate your grilling game? Forget store-bought sauces, and let's dive into a recipe that's been passed down through generations – Grandma's Molasses BBQ Sauce! This easy recipe delivers a sweet and smoky flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for more. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a beginner looking for quick dinner ideas, this homemade cooking masterpiece is perfect for your next barbecue or weeknight meal. Get ready to experience the magic of a truly delicious dish.
Ingredients:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients to create an unforgettable taste.
- 1 cup ketchup (choose your favorite brand)
- ½ cup molasses (unsulphured is best for flavor)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
Instructions:
This recipe is straightforward and perfect for beginners, requiring minimal prep time.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, molasses, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
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Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
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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 extra 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. Transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. The flavor will deepen over time.
Tips for the Best BBQ Sauce:
- Use Unsulphured Molasses: Unsulphured molasses offers a richer, more complex flavor than the sulphured variety.
- Don't Rush the Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for the full 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken properly.
- Taste as You Go: Adjusting the seasonings throughout the cooking process ensures the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors.
Variations:
- Spicy BBQ Sauce: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or increase the cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Sweet BBQ Sauce: Increase the brown sugar or add a touch of honey for a sweeter sauce.
- Smoky BBQ Sauce: Add a tablespoon of liquid smoke for an even smokier flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Protein: 1-2 grams
- Fat: 0-1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
- Sugar: 18-22 grams
This Grandma Molasses BBQ Sauce is the perfect addition to your next barbecue or grilled dish. Its delicious flavor profile makes it a fantastic healthy meal option, elevating simple proteins and vegetables to new heights. Enjoy this easy recipe and the compliments that are sure to follow!