Nothing beats the bold taste of BBQ sauce on a summer cookout. The condiment brings a perfect harmony of sweetness, spice, and smoke. Whether used as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce, this sauce adds depth to every bite.
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BBQ sauce recipe
BBQ sauce is a staple in American cuisine, especially in Southern and Kansas City-style cooking. It’s used primarily for grilled meats with a rich, tangy, smoky flavor profile.
The main ingredients typically include a base of tomato paste or ketchup, vinegar, sweeteners (such as brown sugar or molasses), spices (like garlic powder and paprika), and sometimes liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with ribs, brisket, pulled pork, grilled chicken, and burgers. It’s also great on roasted vegetables like corn, bell peppers, and zucchini, and adds flavor to sandwiches, coleslaw, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese.
You can use BBQ sauce for creative recipes too. Try it as a pizza base, a stir-fry sauce with soy sauce and sesame oil, or a glaze for meatloaf. It also works as a dip, marinade, or in stews and casseroles for a Texan twist.
There are different ways to make this sauce. I’ll stick with the Kansas City-style BBQ with the tomato base. Here’s how to make the BBQ sauce:
BBQ Sauce in Kansas City Style
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine all ingredients.
- Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (add more sweetness, tang, or spice to preference).
- Let it cool, then use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by increasing or reducing honey/brown sugar.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer for a few extra minutes.
- Works great as a dip, marinade, or glaze for meats, tofu, and roasted veggies.
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Variations
There are different versions of this summer sauce:
- Regional Versions
- Kansas City Style has a thick, sweet, and tangy flavor with tomato-based ingredients. It’s commonly used for slow-cooked meats like ribs and brisket.
- Texas Version is thinner and more vinegar-based, with a focus on beef. It often lacks the sweetness found in other styles.
- Carolina Style is divided into vinegar-based (Eastern North Carolina) and mustard-based (South Carolina). Both are thinner and more acidic.
- Memphis Variation has a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s often used for pork ribs.
- Alabama White Sauce combines mayonnaise into the sauce. It’s commonly used for chicken and pork
- Flavor Variations
- Spicy Version adds cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Honey Addition replaces maple syrup with honey for a sweeter flavor.
- Bourbon Infusion includes bourbon whiskey for a rich, smoky flavor.
- Vegan Sauce uses vegan Worcestershire sauce and often includes smoked paprika for depth.