Craving that sweet and tangy BBQ sauce that makes Newk's sandwiches so irresistible? Look no further! This copycat recipe lets you recreate the magic of Newk's Q Sauce right in your own kitchen. It's easier than you think, and the result is a homemade BBQ sauce that's perfect for slathering on everything from pulled pork to chicken to your favorite veggies. Get ready for a flavor explosion! This is a must-try for anyone who loves quick dinner ideas and delicious dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
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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 and the flavors have melded. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
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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 tanginess, 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. The flavor will deepen as it sits. This sauce will last for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Tips for the Best Newk's Q Sauce:
- Use good quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the sauce will taste. Look for high-quality ketchup and Worcestershire sauce.
- Don't rush the simmering process: Allowing the sauce to simmer gently for at least 15 minutes allows the flavors to develop fully.
- Adjust the sweetness and heat to your liking: This recipe is a guideline, feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar and cayenne pepper to your preference.
- Make it your own: Experiment with adding other spices or ingredients, such as a dash of liquid smoke or a teaspoon of chipotle powder, to create your unique twist on this delicious sauce.
Variations:
- Spicy Q Sauce: Increase the cayenne pepper to ½ - 1 teaspoon, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Sweet Q Sauce: Increase the brown sugar to ½ cup for a sweeter sauce.
- Smoky Q Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke for a deeper smoky flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to calculate your own nutritional values using a nutrition calculator.
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: Negligible
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
- Sugar: Approximately 15-20g
- Protein: Approximately 1-2g
This easy recipe for Newk's Q Sauce is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes. It's a versatile sauce that can be used in countless ways, making it a valuable addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. Enjoy! This healthy meal option is surprisingly simple to make and elevates any dish to the next level. These best recipes often utilize simple ingredients to create outstanding flavors.