Are you ready to elevate your grilling game? Forget store-bought sauces; this St. Louis style barbecue sauce recipe will transform your backyard BBQ into a legendary feast. It's the perfect blend of sweet and smoky, tangy and rich, making it the ideal companion for ribs, chicken, pulled pork – or anything you can imagine! This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels, delivering delicious dishes in a snap. It's a quick dinner idea that's both healthy and satisfying, a truly great addition to your collection of best recipes.
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
Instructions:
-
Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, molasses, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
-
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 and the flavors have melded. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
-
Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more brown sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or cayenne pepper for heat.
-
Cool and Serve: Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool completely. This allows the flavors to deepen. Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips for the Best St. Louis Style BBQ Sauce:
- Use good quality ketchup: The base of your sauce, so choose a ketchup you enjoy.
- Don't rush the simmering: Allowing the sauce to simmer gently helps the flavors develop fully.
- Taste as you go: This ensures the sauce is perfectly balanced to your liking.
- Adjust the spice level: Start with less cayenne pepper and add more to your taste.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with additions like liquid smoke, chipotle powder, or a touch of bourbon for a unique twist.
Variations:
- Spicy St. Louis BBQ Sauce: Add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Sweet St. Louis BBQ Sauce: Increase the brown sugar to 1/3 cup for a sweeter profile.
- Tangy St. Louis BBQ Sauce: Add a tablespoon more apple cider vinegar for a more pronounced tang.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories Fat: 0-1g Sodium: High (due to ketchup and Worcestershire sauce) Sugar: High (due to brown sugar and ketchup)
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This St. Louis style barbecue sauce is incredibly versatile. It's perfect for slathering on ribs before and during grilling, basting chicken while it roasts, or using as a finishing sauce for pulled pork. Enjoy the delicious, homemade flavor that sets this sauce apart from anything you can buy in the store. It's a simple recipe that delivers big on taste, making it a food recipe worthy of becoming a staple in your kitchen. Try it today and experience the magic!