Smoky Memphis-Style BBQ Sauce
Indulge in the rich, tangy flavor of our Smoky Memphis-Style BBQ Sauce, the perfect accompaniment to ribs, chicken, or pulled pork. This versatile, homemade sauce strikes a delightful balance between sweet, spicy, and savory notes. With a blend of classic Southern ingredients and a hint of smoky goodness, this BBQ sauce will elevate any dish. While it's already delicious fresh from the stove, letting it sit allows the flavors to meld, unlocking even deeper complexity. Adjust the heat to your liking with optional peppers for a custom kick. Whether you prefer a milder taste or crave the fiery touch, this sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any BBQ gathering.
8
Servings
306
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
ketchup
6 cups
brown sugar
1 1/2 cups (packed)
apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup
yellow mustard
1 1/2 cups
crushed red pepper flakes
1-3 teaspoons ((optional, adjust to taste))
onion powder
3 tablespoons
garlic powder
3 tablespoons
powdered pico de gallo
3 tablespoons ((or chili powder))
Tabasco sauce
1 teaspoon ((optional, adjust to taste))
black pepper
3 tablespoons
celery salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
liquid smoke
3 tablespoons
Worcestershire sauce
9 tablespoons
strained and de-fatted drippings
1/2 cup ((optional) or marinade from the roasting pan)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, combine all the ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), onion powder, garlic powder, powdered pico de gallo, Tabasco sauce (if using), black pepper, celery salt, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, and optional strained drippings or marinade.
2
Set the saucepan over medium-low heat and whisk the mixture until all ingredients are well combined.
3
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook for about 20 minutes until the sauce is thickened and smooth.
4
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to suit your preference, especially if you've added optional hot elements.
5
Once cooked, remove from heat and let the sauce cool. Transfer to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate. For optimal flavor, allow the sauce to sit for at least a day before using, although it can be enjoyed immediately.
Nutrition Information
0.63g
Fat
70g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
63.75g
Sugar
1,500mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary flavor notes of this Memphis-Style BBQ Sauce?
The sauce offers a rich, tangy flavor with a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes, enhanced by a hint of smoky goodness.
Which meats pair best with this BBQ sauce?
This versatile sauce is an ideal accompaniment for ribs, chicken, or pulled pork.
How long should the sauce simmer on the stove?
The sauce should be simmered over medium-low heat for approximately 20 minutes until it becomes thickened and smooth.
Can I eat the sauce immediately after cooking?
Yes, it can be enjoyed immediately, but for optimal flavor, it is recommended to let the sauce sit for at least one day to allow the flavors to meld.
How do I make the sauce spicier?
You can adjust the heat by increasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or Tabasco sauce to suit your personal preference.
What is the base ingredient for this recipe?
The base of this sauce consists of 6 cups of ketchup.
What provides the smoky flavor in this Memphis-style recipe?
The smoky profile is achieved by adding 3 tablespoons of liquid smoke.
How should the BBQ sauce be stored?
Once cooled, the sauce should be transferred to a jar or an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator.
What can I use as a substitute for powdered pico de gallo?
If you do not have powdered pico de gallo, you can use chili powder as a substitute.
Is there a recommended type of vinegar for this sauce?
The recipe specifies using apple cider vinegar to provide its signature tanginess.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this sauce?
Each serving contains approximately 306 calories.
What is the total sugar content per serving?
There are 63.75 grams of sugar per serving.
How much sodium is in each serving?
The sodium content is quite high, at 1,500mg per serving.
Does this recipe include mustard?
Yes, it uses 1 1/2 cups of yellow mustard.
What type of sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of packed brown sugar.
Can I use pan drippings in this sauce?
Yes, you can optionally add 1/2 cup of strained and de-fatted drippings or marinade from a roasting pan for extra depth.
What equipment is needed to prepare the sauce?
You will need a large saucepan and a whisk to combine the ingredients.
How much Worcestershire sauce is used?
The recipe requires 9 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.
Is there garlic and onion in the recipe?
Yes, the sauce uses 3 tablespoons each of onion powder and garlic powder.
Does the recipe call for black pepper?
Yes, it includes 3 tablespoons of black pepper.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is low, at 0.63g per serving.
How many ingredients are in the Smoky Memphis-Style BBQ Sauce?
There are 14 ingredients listed in this recipe.
Does this sauce contain celery salt?
Yes, it includes 1 1/2 teaspoons of celery salt.
What is the purpose of simmering the sauce?
Simmering helps the sauce thicken and ensures all the dry spices and sugars are fully integrated into a smooth consistency.
Can I adjust the seasonings after cooking?
Yes, the instructions suggest tasting the sauce after simmering and adjusting the seasonings to suit your preference.
How much carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 70g of carbohydrates.
Is there any protein in this BBQ sauce?
Yes, there is approximately 2.5g of protein per serving.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
While not explicitly in the instructions, you can typically adjust the consistency by slightly increasing the liquid components like vinegar or water.
What are the suggested tags for this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as BBQ, sauce, Memphis-style, smoky, sweet, spicy, Southern, grilling, and condiment.