Bring the magic of a wood-fired pit right into your kitchen! This deep, robust sauce relies on high-quality smoked paprika and a touch of hickory liquid smoke to deliver an authentic, slow-cooked barbecue flavor without ever needing to fire up a smoker. It is the ultimate shortcut to professional-tasting oven-baked ribs and chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Ketchup (the classic savory base)
- 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar (for that essential tangy bite)
- 1/3 cup Dark brown sugar (packed, for deep sweetness)
- 1 tsp Hickory or applewood liquid smoke (the secret ingredient—start with less, then adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika (adds a warm, earthy, and woodsy color/flavor)
- 1 tbsp Molasses (enhances the dark, rustic appearance)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (for an umami boost)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (helps emulsify the sauce and adds a subtle sharpness)
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (or to taste)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, dark brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Whisk until perfectly smooth.
- Carefully stir in the liquid smoke, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring the robust mixture to a very gentle simmer, making sure to whisk occasionally to prevent any sugars from burning.
- Once simmering, drop the heat to the absolute lowest setting. Let it bubble gently and uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the intense smoke aroma to mellow out and seamlessly blend with the sweet and tangy base.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Allow the sauce to cool completely at room temperature, which will cause it to thicken further, before storing it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
Calories: 39kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.05gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 228mgPotassium: 85mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 140IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 0.3mg