Spicy & Smoky Texas BBQ Sauce
This Spicy & Smoky Texas BBQ Sauce strikes the perfect balance between heat and taste, offering a bold flavor profile without overwhelming sweetness. Infused with a special blend of spices, this sauce is crafted for those who crave a kick while enjoying their meats. Perfect for tender brisket, but versatile enough for steak, pork, chicken, and burgers, it elevates any dish it touches. The sauce not only adds flavor but also enhances the juiciness of grilled or smoked meats, making every bite an unforgettable experience. Make a batch and let it mature in the fridge for a few days to maximize its incredible flavors!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
ketchup
14 ounces (bottle)
cider vinegar
1 cup
Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup
yellow mustard
2 tablespoons
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
liquid smoke
1/2 teaspoon
pure chili powder
1/4 cup (not a blend)
paprika
2 tablespoons
hot pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (or to taste)
fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon
dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon (optional)
beef brisket or bacon drippings
1/3 cup (optional)
water
3 cups
Instructions
1
In a non-reactive saucepan, combine all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring a good mix.
2
Set the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to cook uncovered, stirring regularly, until it thickens, which should take about 20-25 minutes.
4
Remove the saucepan from the heat. If you're using optional ingredients like beef brisket or bacon drippings, blend them well into the sauce.
5
For immediate use, let it cool slightly and enjoy the bold flavors right away.
6
For the best taste, transfer the sauce to jars, placing a piece of plastic wrap under the lid to seal it. Allow it to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
7
Let the sauce ripen in the refrigerator for 2-3 days to deepen its flavor before using. The sauce will keep in the fridge for several months.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy & Smoky Texas BBQ Sauce?
It is a bold, heat-balanced condiment crafted with a special spice blend to enhance grilled and smoked meats with a signature Texas profile.
What does this BBQ sauce taste like?
It offers a bold, smoky, and spicy flavor profile with a perfect balance of heat and a hint of savoriness without being too sweet.
Is this BBQ sauce very sweet?
No, it is designed to offer a bold flavor without being overwhelmingly sweet, using only a small amount of optional dark brown sugar.
Which meats pair best with this sauce?
While it is perfect for tender brisket, it is versatile enough for steak, pork, chicken, and burgers.
How do I make the sauce spicy?
The spice comes from a combination of pure chili powder, paprika, and hot pepper flakes included in the spice blend.
What type of chili powder should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of pure chili powder, which should not be a pre-mixed chili blend.
Can I use this sauce on burgers?
Yes, it is highly versatile and serves as an excellent topping to elevate the flavor of grilled burgers.
How long does it take to cook the sauce?
The sauce needs to simmer for approximately 20 to 25 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
Should the sauce be cooked covered or uncovered?
It should be cooked uncovered to allow the liquid to reduce properly and the sauce to thicken during the simmering process.
What is the main base of this BBQ sauce?
The base of this sauce is a combination of 14 ounces of ketchup mixed with 3 cups of water.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest and best flavor results.
What is the role of cider vinegar in this recipe?
Cider vinegar adds necessary acidity and tanginess, which helps balance the spices and the ketchup base.
Is liquid smoke necessary?
Liquid smoke provides the signature smoky element of the Texas flavor profile, though only 1/2 teaspoon is required.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
The sauce thickens naturally as it simmers; simply continue cooking it uncovered for the full 25 minutes or until the desired consistency is reached.
What are the optional ingredients for this recipe?
Dark brown sugar and beef brisket or bacon drippings are listed as optional additions to customize the taste.
Why add beef brisket or bacon drippings?
Adding these optional drippings enhances the richness, mouthfeel, and depth of savory flavor in the finished sauce.
How should I store the BBQ sauce?
Transfer the sauce to jars, place a piece of plastic wrap under the lid to seal it, and store it in the refrigerator.
How long can the sauce be kept in the refrigerator?
This BBQ sauce is quite durable and can be safely kept in the refrigerator for several months.
Why should I let the sauce ripen for 2-3 days?
Ripening allows the various spices and ingredients to fully meld together, deepening the overall flavor profile.
Can I use the sauce immediately after cooking?
Yes, you can let it cool slightly and enjoy the bold flavors right away, although ripening for a few days is recommended for best results.
What kind of pan should I use to cook the sauce?
A non-reactive saucepan should be used to combine and cook the ingredients to prevent any metallic off-flavors.
Is the brown sugar mandatory?
No, the 1 teaspoon of dark brown sugar is entirely optional if you prefer a more savory and less sweet sauce.
Can I adjust the heat level of the sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of hot pepper flakes to suit your personal heat tolerance and preference.
What makes this a Texas style sauce?
Its focus on a bold, savory, and spicy profile with a thinner consistency than Kansas City style defines it as Texas style.
Can this sauce be used for grilling?
Yes, it is ideal for basting meats during the final stages of grilling or as a finishing sauce on the plate.
Does this sauce contain paprika?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 tablespoons of paprika to contribute to the sauce's deep color and warm flavor.
How much water is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires exactly 3 cups of water to be mixed with the other ingredients before simmering.
What should I put under the lid when jarring?
A piece of plastic wrap should be placed under the lid to ensure an airtight seal during the refrigeration process.
Is this sauce suitable for pork?
Absolutely, it is designed to be versatile and works exceptionally well with various pork cuts including ribs and pulled pork.
What is the secret to the bold flavor?
The secret lies in the combination of pure chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and the ripening period in the fridge.