Sweet Spicy Barbecue Sauce Recipe

2 min read 19-02-2025

Sweet Spicy Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Tired of store-bought barbecue sauces that lack depth and flavor? Craving that perfect balance of sweet and spicy to elevate your next grilling session? Then look no further! This homemade sweet and spicy barbecue sauce recipe is easy, delicious, and guarantees to become your new go-to for all your barbecued delights. It's the perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, delivering fantastic homemade cooking results.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • ¼ cup molasses
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the aromatics: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step builds a wonderful flavor base for your sauce.

  2. Combine ingredients: Add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

  3. Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a truly delicious and complex sauce.

  4. Adjust consistency and taste: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few more minutes, or you can slightly reduce the apple cider vinegar. If you want it spicier, add more cayenne pepper.

  5. Cool and serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool completely before storing. This delicious sauce is perfect for grilling, basting ribs, chicken, or pork. It's also amazing as a dipping sauce for fries or as a topping for your favorite healthy meals.

Tips for the Best Sweet Spicy Barbecue Sauce:

  • Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the sauce will taste. Look for high-quality ketchup, molasses, and spices.
  • Don't rush the simmering process: Allowing the sauce to simmer gently for the recommended time is crucial for developing the rich, complex flavors.
  • Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasonings to your preference. Everyone's spice tolerance is different!
  • Store properly: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Variations:

  • Honey Barbecue Sauce: Substitute honey for the brown sugar for a slightly sweeter and less intense flavor.
  • Chipotle Barbecue Sauce: Add 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.
  • Bourbon Barbecue Sauce: Stir in 2 tablespoons of bourbon for a sophisticated twist.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):

This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.

  • Calories: Approximately 150-200
  • Fat: Approximately 5-8g
  • Protein: Approximately 2-3g
  • Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-35g
  • Sugar: Approximately 15-20g

This homemade sweet and spicy barbecue sauce is a fantastic addition to your collection of best recipes. It’s a simple recipe that yields impressive results, perfect for both experienced cooks and those just starting their culinary journey. Enjoy!

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