Experience the perfect harmony of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors. This classic, ketchup-based barbecue sauce uses brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and warm spices to create a rich, mouthwatering condiment that is endlessly better than anything you can buy in a bottle.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Ketchup (the essential sweet and tangy base)
- 1/3 cup Apple cider vinegar (provides the crucial acidic bite)
- 1/2 cup Dark brown sugar (packed, for deep caramel sweetness)
- 2 tbsp Molasses (adds a robust, dark flavor profile)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (for savory umami depth)
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika (delivers that authentic wood-smoke flavor)
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (or to taste)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, dark brown sugar, molasses, and Worcestershire sauce until completely smooth and combined.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle, bubbling simmer.
- Immediately reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the sugars from burning on the bottom of the pan. The sauce will darken and thicken beautifully.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight mason jar or bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks!
Nutrition
Calories: 238kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 1gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.02gSodium: 1176mgPotassium: 513mgFiber: 1gSugar: 54gVitamin A: 713IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 68mgIron: 1mg