Get ready to transform your ordinary pork dishes into extraordinary culinary masterpieces with this mouthwatering homemade barbecue sauce! Imagine a sauce so rich, tangy, and smoky that it will have your guests begging for your secret recipe. This American-style BBQ sauce is not just a condiment – it's a flavor explosion that elevates any pork dish from good to absolutely unforgettable.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended and smooth.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
- Add smoked paprika to the sauce, which will provide a deep, smoky flavor characteristic of traditional barbecue sauce.
- Reduce heat to low and continue simmering for about 15-20 minutes, stirring periodically. The sauce will gradually thicken and develop a rich, concentrated flavor.
- Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Adjust the seasoning gradually to achieve the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the barbecue sauce cool for 5-10 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
- Transfer the sauce to a clean glass jar or airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Serve the barbecue sauce warm or at room temperature with grilled or roasted pork, using it as a basting sauce during cooking or as a dipping sauce on the side.
Tips
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution.
- Stir the sauce frequently while simmering to develop a deep, complex flavor profile.
- Adjust the brown sugar and vinegar ratio to customize the sweetness and tanginess to your liking.
- For an extra smoky kick, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke if you want an even more intense flavor.
- Let the sauce cool completely before storing to allow flavors to meld together.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or additional apple cider vinegar.
- For best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure maximum flavor.
- This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making meal prep a breeze!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
