Texas Red Sauce for Barbecue or Brisket
Elevate your barbecue game with this bold and flavorful Texas Red Sauce, the perfect complement to brisket, ribs, or any smoked meat. This rich, tangy barbecue sauce combines savory ingredients like ketchup, beef stock, and Worcestershire sauce with a dynamic blend of spices, including smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin, for that classic Texas-style kick. Brown sugar and honey add a subtle sweetness, while apple cider vinegar lends a tangy balance that ties it all together. Simmered to perfection for a silky texture and deep, complex flavor, this robust sauce is easy to make and comes together in just under an hour. Whether you're slathering it on barbecue or serving it on the side, this Texas Red Sauce will become your go-to recipe for any cookout or smoky feast.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1.5 cups ketchup
- 1 cup beef stock
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1.5 tablespoons chili powder
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
Heat the vegetable oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the tomato paste to the saucepan and stir well, allowing it to cook for 2 minutes to develop its rich flavor.
Pour in the apple cider vinegar, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze it and pick up any browned bits.
Add the ketchup, beef stock, and Worcestershire sauce, then stir until combined.
Add the smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir to fully incorporate the spices into the sauce.
Stir in the brown sugar and honey to balance the flavors with a touch of sweetness.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and develops deep, complex flavors.
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, sugar, or vinegar if needed to balance the flavors to your liking.
Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving. For a smoother texture, blend the sauce using an immersion blender or a regular blender.
Serve warm with brisket, ribs, or your favorite barbecue dish. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1047 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.6 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.3 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3849 mg | 167% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 192.9 g | 70% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.8 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 139.2 g | ||
| Protein | 8.0 g | 16% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 220 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 11.0 mg | 61% | |
| Potassium | 1504 mg | 32% | |
*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.
