Ultimate Smoky Sweet Barbecue Sauce
Discover the Ultimate Smoky Sweet Barbecue Sauce, an effortless yet flavorsome addition to your culinary repertoire. This sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and smokiness, making every dish it touches unforgettable. Inspired by a friend's simple yet delicious recipe, this barbecue sauce is a game changer. In just a few steps, you can whip up this sauce that pairs beautifully with leftover chopped beef, pork, or chicken, elevating your sandwiches to gourmet status. Perfect for summer cookouts, family gatherings, or a weeknight dinner, this sauce will leave everyone asking for seconds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
ketchup
1 cup (none)
apple cider vinegar
1 cup (can substitute plain vinegar)
molasses
1/2 cup (none)
honey
1/2 cup (none)
liquid smoke
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
onion powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Tabasco sauce or hot sauce
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients: ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, honey, liquid smoke, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Tabasco sauce.
2
Whisk the mixture thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well blended.
3
Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the sauce to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld and the sauce thicken perfectly.
5
If the sauce becomes too thick for your liking, simply thin it out with a splash of extra vinegar.
6
Once ready, let it cool slightly before using it to coat your favorite meats, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later use. Enjoy your delicious barbecue creations!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Smoky Sweet Barbecue Sauce?
It is an effortless and flavorsome barbecue sauce that strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and smokiness, ideal for elevating various meat dishes.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this sauce?
The sauce is characterized by a distinct smoky and sweet flavor profile.
What are the main ingredients in this barbecue sauce?
The main ingredients include ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, honey, liquid smoke, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Tabasco sauce.
How much ketchup is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of ketchup.
Can I substitute apple cider vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute apple cider vinegar with plain vinegar if needed.
How much honey is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of honey.
What provides the smoky flavor in this recipe?
Liquid smoke is used to provide the signature smoky flavor, specifically 1 1/2 teaspoons.
Is this barbecue sauce spicy?
It contains 1 teaspoon of Tabasco or hot sauce, which adds a mild kick to the sweet and smoky base.
What is the first step in making this sauce?
The first step is to combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
How should I mix the ingredients?
You should whisk the mixture thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well blended.
What heat setting should I use initially?
Start by placing the saucepan over high heat to bring the sauce to a boil.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes.
Why do I need to simmer the sauce?
Simmering helps the flavors meld together and allows the sauce to thicken perfectly.
Should the saucepan be covered while simmering?
No, the sauce should be simmered uncovered.
How often should I stir the sauce?
You should stir frequently while bringing it to a boil and occasionally while it simmers to prevent sticking.
What should I do if the sauce becomes too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, simply thin it out with a splash of extra vinegar.
How should the sauce be stored?
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What types of meat pair best with this sauce?
It pairs beautifully with leftover chopped beef, pork, or chicken.
Is this sauce suitable for sandwiches?
Yes, it is excellent for elevating meat sandwiches to gourmet status.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an effortless and simple game-changer recipe.
Can I use molasses in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 cup of molasses for depth and sweetness.
Does the recipe contain garlic?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Does the recipe contain onion?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.
How much salt is added?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of salt.
Is this sauce good for summer cookouts?
Yes, it is perfect for summer cookouts, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 ingredients in this recipe.
Can I use this sauce immediately?
Once ready, let it cool slightly before using it to coat your favorite meats.
What kind of container is recommended for storage?
An airtight container is recommended.
Can I use a different hot sauce?
Yes, you can use Tabasco or any preferred hot sauce.
What is the yield or serving size?
While specific serving sizes aren't listed, the recipe uses over 2.5 cups of liquid base, making it a generous portion for several meals.