Sweet & Smoky Carolina Honey BBQ Sauce
Elevate your grilling game with this tantalizing Sweet & Smoky Carolina Honey BBQ Sauce. Perfectly balanced with the tanginess of vinegar, the richness of molasses, and the natural sweetness of honey, this sauce delivers a flavor profile that's both bold and complex. Great for glazing meats, marinating seafood, or as a dipping sauce, it's a must-have for your next cookout or barbecue gathering. Enjoy the smoky undertones that make this sauce a staple in Southern cuisine, and share it with friends and family for an unforgettable taste experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
ketchup
1 cup (none)
white vinegar
1 cup (none)
molasses
1/2 cup (none)
honey
1/2 cup (none)
liquid smoke
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
onion powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Tabasco sauce
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, start by combining the ketchup, white vinegar, molasses, honey, liquid smoke, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Tabasco sauce.
2
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and whisk the mixture thoroughly until it is fully blended and smooth.
3
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer uncovered for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
4
Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving.
5
Use the sauce generously on grilled meats, seafood, or as a zesty dip, and store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet & Smoky Carolina Honey BBQ Sauce?
It is a Southern-style BBQ sauce that balances tangy white vinegar, rich molasses, and sweet honey with a smoky finish.
What are the main ingredients in this BBQ sauce?
The sauce is made from ketchup, white vinegar, molasses, honey, liquid smoke, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Tabasco sauce.
How long does it take to cook the sauce?
The sauce needs to simmer uncovered for approximately 30 minutes to reach the desired consistency.
What makes this sauce Carolina style?
The heavy use of white vinegar provides the signature tanginess associated with Carolina-style barbecue.
Is this BBQ sauce spicy?
It has a very mild kick from the 1/4 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce, but it is primarily sweet and tangy.
How do I achieve the smoky flavor?
The smoky undertones are provided by adding 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the mixture.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes, this sauce is excellent for marinating seafood or meats before grilling.
Is this sauce good for dipping?
Absolutely, it functions perfectly as a zesty dipping sauce for appetizers or grilled items.
How should I store leftover sauce?
Any leftover sauce should be stored in a sealed container and kept in the refrigerator.
What heat setting should I use?
Start by bringing the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low for the simmering process.
Should the saucepan be covered while simmering?
No, the sauce should be simmered uncovered so that it can reduce and thicken properly.
Can I use this on seafood?
Yes, the flavor profile is versatile enough to be used for glazing or marinating various types of seafood.
What is the role of molasses in the recipe?
Molasses provides a deep, rich sweetness and contributes to the dark color and thick texture of the sauce.
How much honey is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of honey to provide natural sweetness.
How much ketchup is used as the base?
The base of the sauce consists of 1 cup of ketchup.
Do I need to whisk the ingredients?
Yes, you should whisk the mixture thoroughly once placed over heat until it is fully blended and smooth.
Can I adjust the thickness of the sauce?
Yes, you can simmer it for slightly more or less than 30 minutes depending on your preferred consistency.
What kind of vinegar is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of white vinegar to achieve the correct tanginess.
Is there any garlic in this sauce?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for a subtle savory flavor.
Is there any onion in this sauce?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder to enhance the overall savory profile.
Can I use this for glazing meat on the grill?
Yes, it is designed to be used as a glaze for grilled meats during the cooking process.
Should I let the sauce cool before using?
It is recommended to let the sauce cool slightly after removing it from the heat before serving.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How much Tabasco sauce is included?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce for a hint of heat.
Is this a good sauce for a cookout?
Yes, its bold and complex flavor makes it a staple for any barbecue or family gathering.
How much liquid smoke is used?
One teaspoon of liquid smoke is added to give it the characteristic smoky flavor.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
Does this sauce contain any oil?
No, there are no oils or fats listed in the ingredients for this BBQ sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 distinct ingredients used to make this sauce.
What is the texture of the finished sauce?
The finished sauce is smooth, rich, and thickened to a consistency suitable for glazing or dipping.