Ingredients
1 1/2 c. ketchup
1 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. water
1/4 c. apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp. molasses
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. ground mustard
1/4 tsp. paprika
Preparation
Step 1In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk all ingredients until combined. Step 2Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thick, about 45 minutes. Step 3Let cool to room temperature and store refrigerated in an airtight container.
Cooking tips The best thing about bbq sauce is how unfussy it is. Little shy on ketchup? That’s fine. Like a more vinegary sauce? Use more! Like a thin bbq sauce? Don’t simmer for as long. It’s perfectly adaptable to your style. Remember that the sauce will thicken as it cools, so don’t feel like you need to keep simmering until it’s the perfect consistency. To test, spoon a little bit of sauce onto a plate and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Check to see if it’s the consistency you like. What are the best spices? Again, barbecue sauce can adjust to any spice preference. I love mine with extra mustard and garlic powder. If you love smoky paprika, up the amount. You can also add in oregano or cayenne for a little heat. Use what you have and make it your own! Different styles? When developing this recipe, we were inspired by the pit-masters of Kansas City who tend to use a sweeter, ketchup based sauce. If you’re into something with a bit more of a tart kick, you might want to try a vinegary Caroline style BBQ sauce. How To Store? Homemade BBQ sauce, when store properly in the fridge, can keep up to two weeks in the fridge and up to 2 years in the freezer. Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and you should be good to go! How should I use it? Well you can use this sauce anyway you’d use a normal condiment (like dipping onion rings into it) but it also works great as an ingredient like on some BBQ ribs or BBQ chicken sliders! Tried your hand at making this tangy, sweet sauce? Let us know how it went in the comment section below!
