Picture this: a sizzling summer afternoon, the aroma of charcoal mingling with laughter and clinking glasses.
Every barbecue needs its star, and no, I’m not talking about Uncle Joe’s questionable grilling skills. I mean the sauce—tangy, sweet, sometimes spicy, that perfect drizzle that turns any cookout into a masterpiece.
Oh, and remember that time last Fourth of July when the grill caught fire? Yeah, we won’t talk about that—let’s focus on this BBQ sauce recipe instead.
Steps
- In a medium saucepan, mix together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, water, brown sugar, tamari, yellow mustard, garlic powder, ground cumin, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Stir the sauce frequently as it cooks for about 20 minutes, allowing it to thicken to your desired consistency.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference before using it.
- Transfer the sauce to a jar or airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups of ketchup
- ½ cup of apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup of water
- ¼ cup of brown sugar
- ¼ cup of tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
FAQ
- How long does homemade BBQ sauce last in the fridge?
- The homemade BBQ sauce can be stored in an airtight container or a Mason jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Can I freeze BBQ sauce for longer storage?
- Yes, you can freeze the BBQ sauce for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, transfer the frozen sauce to the fridge and let it thaw overnight.
- What can I use as a vegetarian substitute for Worcestershire sauce in BBQ sauce?
- Tamari is a great vegetarian-friendly alternative to Worcestershire sauce in BBQ sauce, providing a similar savory flavor. If you’re not avoiding gluten, soy sauce is also a suitable substitute.
- How can I make my BBQ sauce spicy?
- To add some heat to your BBQ sauce, you can include a pinch of cayenne pepper, a splash of hot sauce, or 1 to 2 tablespoons of adobo sauce from a can of chipotles.
- What are some creative ways to use BBQ sauce besides on meat?
- BBQ sauce can be used in various non-meat dishes, such as on BBQ jackfruit sandwiches, brushed onto grilled tofu, as a topping for veggie burgers with caramelized onions, or as a substitute for buffalo sauce on crispy cauliflower. It also works well as a dip for air-fried French fries, onion rings, or sweet potato fries.
Tips
- For a spicier BBQ sauce, consider adding a touch of cayenne pepper, a splash of hot sauce, or a couple of tablespoons of adobo sauce from canned chipotles to give it an extra kick.
- Store your homemade BBQ sauce in a Mason jar or any airtight container, and it will last in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to three months and thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
- Customize the sauce to your taste by adjusting the sweetness or tanginess. You can add more brown sugar for a sweeter flavor or increase the apple cider vinegar for more tanginess.
- This versatile BBQ sauce is not just for meats; try using it as a topping for veggie burgers, a glaze for grilled tofu, or a dip for air fryer French fries and onion rings.
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan – A good quality saucepan is essential for simmering the sauce.
- Airtight Containers – Mason jars or other airtight containers for storing the BBQ sauce in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurately measuring the ingredients.
- Stirring Utensil – A heat-resistant spoon or spatula for stirring the sauce while it simmers.
