By leah jones
Making homemade BBQ sauce has never been easier. It's delicious, and you get the exact taste you want without the abundance of artificial sugars and preservatives.
Use homemade BBQ sauce as a dip, marinade or condiment on just about anything you desire. Here’s a simple recipe you can tweak to your liking.
1 cup ketchup (base ingredient) 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (adds tanginess) 1/3 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons honey (for a natural sweetness and a sticky texture)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (adds umami and richness) 1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon or yellow mustard) 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove of minced garlic)
1 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat) 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients. Stir well to ensure the sugar and spices dissolve.
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Lower the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of water.
Remove from heat and let the sauce cool. Transfer it to a clean jar or container with a lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
You can also freeze your homemade BBQ sauce then thaw overnight before serving for up to three months.
For a smokier flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke. You can also experiment with the sweetness by substituting honey with molasses or maple syrup.
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