The Barbecue Sauce for Steaks and Chicken
Elevate your grilling game with "The Barbecue Sauce for Steaks and Chicken," a rich, smoky, and perfectly balanced homemade sauce that will make your next cookout unforgettable. This quick and easy recipe combines pantry staples like ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar with the bold flavors of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce, creating a tangy-sweet masterpiece that clings beautifully to both steaks and chicken. Whether you prefer a touch of spice with optional cayenne pepper or a milder flavor profile, this customizable sauce is ready in just 15 minutes and can be used to glaze meat while grilling or served as a crowd-pleasing dipping sauce. Delicious, versatile, and ideal for summer barbecues, this recipe is a go-to for anyone seeking the ultimate homemade barbecue sauce.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1.5 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 0.33 cup water
Instructions
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the saucepan. Stir until all spices are evenly distributed.
Pour in the water and stir to adjust the consistency of the sauce. If a thicker sauce is preferred, reduce the amount of water slightly.
Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more brown sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or cayenne pepper for heat.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool slightly. It will thicken further as it cools.
Use immediately to brush over steaks or chicken during the last few minutes of grilling, or serve as a dipping sauce on the side.
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
538 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.5 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1324 mg | 58% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 138.1 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 114.7 g | ||
| Protein | 1.5 g | 3% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 92 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 430 mg | 9% | |
*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.
