Rich & Smoky Southern BBQ Sauce
This Rich & Smoky Southern BBQ Sauce recipe is a delectable blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that will elevate any grilled dish, especially chicken. Perfect for slathering on during cookouts or as a tasty dipping sauce, this homemade BBQ sauce is made from pantry staples like molasses, ketchup, and brown sugar. Easy to make and better than store-bought, this sauce is sure to become a family favorite. Prepare a batch and save some for your next barbecue gathering – you'll want to share it with everyone!
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
molasses
1/4 cup (None)
ketchup
1 cup (None)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (Packed)
liquid smoke
4 teaspoons (None)
onion salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
vinegar (white or apple cider)
1/2 cup (None)
additional vinegar
2 tablespoons (None)
dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon (None)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine all the ingredients: molasses, ketchup, brown sugar, liquid smoke, onion salt, vinegar, dry mustard, and garlic powder.
2
Stir the mixture thoroughly until well blended and the brown sugar has dissolved.
3
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4
Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
5
After 30 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly before transferring to a jar or container.
6
Store the BBQ sauce in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Shake well before each use.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rich & Smoky Southern BBQ Sauce?
It is a homemade blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors made from pantry staples like molasses, ketchup, and brown sugar.
What are the main ingredients in this BBQ sauce?
The main ingredients include molasses, ketchup, brown sugar, liquid smoke, onion salt, vinegar, dry mustard, and garlic powder.
How long does it take to cook the sauce?
The sauce needs to simmer gently over low heat for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and thicken.
How should I store this homemade BBQ sauce?
Store the sauce in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will the BBQ sauce stay fresh?
The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
What type of vinegar should I use?
You can use either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for this recipe.
Can I use this sauce as a dip?
Yes, it is excellent as a tasty dipping sauce or for slathering on grilled dishes.
What meat does this sauce pair best with?
While versatile, it is especially recommended for chicken dishes.
How do I prepare the brown sugar?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of brown sugar that is firmly packed.
What provides the smoky flavor in this recipe?
The smoky flavor comes from the addition of 4 teaspoons of liquid smoke.
Do I need to stir the sauce while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir the mixture occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the saucepan.
Is this sauce easy to make?
Yes, it is a simple process of combining ingredients and simmering, making it easier and often better than store-bought versions.
Should the sauce be simmered covered or uncovered?
The instructions specify simmering the sauce uncovered for 30 minutes.
What is the first step in making this sauce?
The first step is to combine all ingredients in a medium-sized saucepan and stir until the brown sugar is dissolved.
Do I need to do anything before using stored sauce?
Yes, you should shake the container well before each use.
How much ketchup is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of ketchup.
How much molasses is used in the recipe?
You will need 1/4 cup of molasses.
Is onion salt included in the ingredients?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of onion salt.
What kind of mustard is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard.
Can I use this sauce for outdoor cookouts?
Absolutely, it is designed for barbecue gatherings and grilling.
How much garlic powder should I add?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Should I let the sauce cool before refrigerating?
Yes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly before transferring it to a storage container.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe is listed as providing 2 servings.
Is there extra vinegar in the recipe?
Yes, in addition to the initial 1/2 cup, there are 2 tablespoons of additional vinegar included.
What category of food does this fall under?
It is categorized under Chicken and Sauce recipes.
What are the flavor profiles of this sauce?
The sauce is described as a blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors.
Can I make this with pantry staples?
Yes, it is specifically designed to be made with common pantry items.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients.
Is this a Southern style sauce?
Yes, it is a Southern-style BBQ sauce recipe.
Is the sauce thick?
Simmering it uncovered for 30 minutes allows the sauce to thicken slightly.