Are you ready to elevate your grilling game? Forget store-bought sauces; this old-fashioned BBQ sauce recipe is your ticket to smoky, tangy, and intensely flavorful barbecue. Homemade BBQ sauce is surprisingly easy to make, and the taste? Unforgettable. Perfect for ribs, chicken, pulled pork, or even as a dipping sauce for fries, this recipe is a delicious addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup (look for a high-quality brand)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step builds a fantastic flavor base for your sauce.
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Combine ingredients: Add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Simmer and thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let the sauce simmer for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a longer period, allowing excess moisture to evaporate.
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Taste and adjust: Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency and simmered for at least 20 minutes, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more brown sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or cayenne pepper for heat.
Tips for the Best BBQ Sauce:
- Use quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your BBQ sauce will taste. Look for high-quality ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and molasses.
- Don't rush the simmering process: Allowing the sauce to simmer gently for at least 20 minutes allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with different spices and ingredients to create your own unique BBQ sauce. Add a dash of liquid smoke for an even smokier flavor.
- Store properly: Once cooled completely, store your homemade BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Variations:
- Spicy BBQ Sauce: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Sweet BBQ Sauce: Add a little more brown sugar or honey to increase the sweetness.
- Smoky BBQ Sauce: Add a teaspoon or two of liquid smoke for a more intense smoky flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Sugar: 18-22g
- Protein: 1-2g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This old-fashioned BBQ sauce recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas and adds a homemade touch to any meal. Enjoy the delicious results of your homemade cooking! It’s a great addition to your collection of best recipes. Let us know in the comments how your BBQ sauce turned out!