Homemade BBQ Sauce
Homemade BBQ sauce is a bold, tangy sauce made with pantry staples like ketchup, vinegar, mustard, and spices.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and chili powder.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a smooth slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while whisking constantly.
- Continue to simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly. Transfer to a jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
Notes
- Whisk Constantly When Thickening: Stir continuously after adding the cornstarch slurry to prevent lumps.
- Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling, which can cause the sauce to scorch or become too thick too quickly.
- Adjust to Taste: Taste after simmering and adjust sweetness, acidity, or spice as needed.
- Cool Before Storing: The sauce thickens slightly as it cools, so allow it to rest before final texture adjustments.
- Use a Nonreactive Pan: Stainless steel or enamel-coated saucepans work best with vinegar-based sauces.
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