Description
This homemade sweet and smoky BBQ sauce is a versatile, robust condiment that perfectly balances deep molasses sweetness with wood-fired liquid smoke. Ideal for marinating proteins, glazing grilled items, or serving as a flavorful dipping sauce, this recipe relies on high-quality pantry staples to create a glossy, thick consistency without any artificial preservatives. It is a must-have base for any backyard cookout to elevate your favorite grilled dishes to a professional level with simple, bold ingredients.
Ingredients
2 cups tomato ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons molasses
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
Instructions
Whisk the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, molasses, and spices inside a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Stir constantly to ensure the brown sugar dissolves fully into the tomato base.
Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, reducing heat if the sauce starts to splatter.
Remove the saucepan from the stove once the consistency reaches a thick, glossy state.
Whisk in the liquid smoke last to preserve the volatile aromatics.
Allow the sauce to cool for 15 minutes before transferring to a sterile glass jar.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For best results, use dark brown sugar to enhance the molasses profile. If the sauce becomes too thick while simmering, add a splash of water to reach the desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg