Traditional Barbecue Sauce
Elevate your backyard grilling game with this rich, flavorful Traditional Barbecue Sauce that strikes the perfect balance between tangy, smoky, and sweet. Made with pantry staples like ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and a hint of molasses, this homemade sauce is enhanced by the bold flavors of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Customize the spice level with optional cayenne pepper for heat and liquid smoke for an extra layer of savory depth. Ready in just 25 minutes, this glossy, crowd-pleasing sauce is perfect for basting ribs, slathering on brisket, or serving as a delectable dipping companion for your favorite barbecue dishes. Make a batch ahead of time and savor its versatility all week long!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 0.5 cup apple cider vinegar
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 0.25 cup water
- 0.5 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, for additional smoky flavor)
Instructions
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and molasses over medium heat. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add in Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to incorporate the spices evenly into the mixture.
Pour in the water and mix well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Once the sauce begins to bubble, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. The sauce should thicken slightly and become glossy.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or cayenne for heat, as desired.
If using liquid smoke, add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking and stir well.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the barbecue sauce cool. It can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Use this sauce to baste grilled meats during cooking, or serve it as a rich dipping sauce on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
554 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1.2 g | 2% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1447 mg | 63% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 135.4 g | 49% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 111.4 g | ||
| Protein | 1.8 g | 4% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 190 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 5.1 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 1102 mg | 23% | |
*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.
