Teresa's Recipes
Homemade Barbecue Sauce
This homemade barbecue sauce embodies the essence of summer cookouts and backyard barbecues. With a perfect balance of tangy, smoky, and sweet flavors, it's an irresistible addition to grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a dipping sauce. This versatile sauce has roots deep in American culinary history, evolving from simple vinegar-based sauces to the rich, complex flavors we enjoy today. Whether you're slathering it on ribs or using it as a marinade, this sauce will elevate your dishes to new heights.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Liquid smoke
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 12
- Dish Type: Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 18g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Sugar: 12g
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, liquid smoke, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
- Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature before using.
- Store the barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips
- For a sweeter sauce, you can increase the brown sugar or add honey.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- This sauce can also be used as a marinade for chicken or pork; just marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling.