Ever had one of those days where you’re out of ketchup but need to impress your guests with something bold and tangy? That’s when this 10-Minute Homemade BBQ Sauce comes to the rescue. It’s like a magic trick, transforming basic pantry staples into a sauce that’s both smoky and sweet – the kind of sauce that makes you wonder why you ever settled for store-bought.
Steps
- Combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the sauce to cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more sugar, spices, or salt to suit your preference.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups tomato ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon paprika (to taste)
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (to taste)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup water
Nutritional Values
Total Nutritional Values for Entire Recipe (2 1/4 cups):
Calories: 1120 kcal | Carbs: 280 g | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 2 g | Saturated Fat: 0.4 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g | Sodium: 4560 mg | Potassium: 2140 mg | Fiber: 6 g | Sugar: 240 g | Vitamin A: 5380 IU | Vitamin C: 20 mg | Calcium: 340 mg | Iron: 8 mg
FAQ
- What is barbecue sauce used for?
- Barbecue sauce is a versatile kitchen staple that can be used for marinating, dipping, topping, and basting various meats. It usually has a tomato base and combines sweet and slightly spicy flavors.
- Is this homemade BBQ sauce spicy?
- This BBQ sauce is mild. It may have a slight kick right after cooking, but the flavors mellow out when the sauce is refrigerated or used on grilled meats.
- Can I substitute mustard in the recipe?
- Yes, you can replace yellow mustard with an equal amount of dijon mustard or use 1 tablespoon of mustard powder as an alternative.
- What type of ketchup should I use for this BBQ sauce?
- It’s best to use a regular, everyday kind of ketchup. There’s no need to choose an expensive or gourmet brand since you’re adding several other seasonings to enhance the flavor.
- How can I make the BBQ sauce spicier?
- To add more heat to the sauce, you can include cayenne pepper to taste. Adjust the amount based on your preference for spiciness.
Tips
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spice level to your preference by adding more brown sugar or incorporating cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- Refrigerate for Best Flavor: After cooking, let the BBQ sauce cool and store it in the refrigerator for a day. This allows the flavors to meld and mellow, resulting in a more balanced taste.
- Use a Mason Jar for Storage: Store your homemade BBQ sauce in a glass Mason jar or any airtight container to keep it fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Double the Recipe with Care: If you plan to double the recipe, remember that it will need a longer simmering time to achieve the desired thickness.
Equipment
- Large Saucepan – Essential for simmering the sauce.
- Mason Jars or Airtight Containers – For storing the homemade BBQ sauce.
- Garlic Press – If you want to mince garlic cloves efficiently.
- Whisk or Stirring Spoon – For mixing the ingredients thoroughly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – To measure out the ingredients accurately.
