Dr Pepper Special Secret Sauce
Transform your dishes with the bold, tangy-sweet kick of Dr Pepper Special Secret Sauce, a one-of-a-kind homemade condiment that’s perfect for barbecue, burgers, or dipping delights. This irresistible sauce combines the iconic caramelized flavors of Dr Pepper soda with ketchup, brown sugar, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a rich, zesty base. A medley of pantry spices—like garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder—adds depth and warmth, while optional cayenne pepper brings a subtle kick of heat. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick and easy sauce delivers a balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that will elevate any meal. With its unique blend of ingredients and versatile uses, this secret sauce is bound to become a staple for backyard BBQs and weeknight meals alike!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dr Pepper soda
- 0.5 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
In a medium-sized saucepan, pour in 1 cup of Dr Pepper soda and place it over medium heat.
Add 1/2 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
Incorporate 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, mixing thoroughly.
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine the spices evenly.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low to let it simmer. Allow the sauce to simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed (e.g., more soy sauce for saltiness or brown sugar for added sweetness).
Once ready, remove from heat and let the sauce cool for a few minutes. Transfer to a jar or airtight container for storage.
Use the sauce immediately as a glaze, dip, or drizzle, or store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
313 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.3 g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 953 mg | 41% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 80.5 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 66.5 g | ||
| Protein | 1.4 g | 3% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 50 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 262 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
