Are you ready to elevate your grilling game? Forget store-bought sauces – this Rudy's Barbecue Sauce recipe is your ticket to smoky, tangy perfection. It's incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner looking for delicious and easy recipes, this homemade barbecue sauce will become your new go-to for ribs, chicken, pulled pork, or even as a tasty dipping sauce for fries. Get ready to experience the best recipes for mouthwatering barbecue!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ 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 cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended): For a deeper, richer flavor, start by heating the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic powder and onion powder and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This step isn't strictly necessary but adds a noticeable depth of flavor.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
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Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken slightly as it simmers. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.
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Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your preference. If you want it sweeter, add more brown sugar. For more heat, add more cayenne pepper. If it's too acidic, add a touch more brown sugar or ketchup.
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Cool and Serve: Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool completely before using. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen. Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips for the Best Barbecue Sauce:
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Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of your barbecue sauce is directly related to the quality of the ingredients you use. Look for good quality ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika for the best results.
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Don't rush the simmering process: Allowing the sauce to simmer gently for at least 15 minutes allows the flavors to develop fully and the sauce to thicken properly.
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Adjust the spice level to your liking: The amount of cayenne pepper is easily adjustable. Start with ½ teaspoon and add more if you prefer a spicier sauce.
Variations:
- Honey Barbecue Sauce: Add 2 tablespoons of honey for a sweeter, richer flavor.
- Spicy Barbecue Sauce: Increase the cayenne pepper to 1-2 teaspoons, or add a pinch of chili powder for extra heat.
- Bourbon Barbecue Sauce: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon for a smoky, sophisticated twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 1-2g
This Rudy's Barbecue Sauce recipe is a fantastic addition to your quick dinner ideas and healthy meals arsenal. It's a simple yet delicious way to add incredible flavor to your favorite grilled dishes. Enjoy the taste of homemade cooking at its finest!