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This homemade BBQ sauce recipe is a fantastic way to create a flavorful, Kansas City-style sauce with minimal effort. It's a blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that can enhance a variety of dishes.
Ingredients:
- Tomato Sauce: The base of the sauce, providing a rich, tomatoey flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a necessary tanginess that cuts through the sweetness.
- Honey: Brings a natural sweetness, balancing the acidity and smokiness.
- Tomato Paste: Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
- Molasses: Adds a deep, rich sweetness and a slightly bitter note.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a savory, umami flavor that’s essential for depth.
- Liquid Smoke: Provides that signature smoky flavor; a little goes a long way.
- Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smoky notes and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a pungent, savory flavor.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground, it adds a subtle heat and earthy flavor.
- Onion Powder: Provides a sweet, mild onion flavor.
- Sea Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness.
- Cayenne Pepper (optional): For those who like a little heat.
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Cooking Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, tomato paste, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, sea salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed to create a smooth, even sauce.
- Simmer:
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue to simmer the sauce, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Serve:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly before using. Use the BBQ sauce immediately, or transfer it to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
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This homemade BBQ sauce is a simple and delicious way to add a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes. It’s a versatile and satisfying recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does homemade BBQ sauce last in the refrigerator?
- This homemade BBQ sauce will last for up to one week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a jar or bottle.
- → Can I freeze this BBQ sauce?
- Yes! This sauce freezes beautifully. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays (for smaller portions) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
- → What makes this a Kansas City-style BBQ sauce?
- Kansas City-style sauces are known for being thick, sweet, and tangy with a tomato base. The combination of molasses, honey, and tomato gives this sauce its distinctive Kansas City character.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness of this BBQ sauce?
- Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the honey and molasses to your taste preferences. For less sweetness, reduce these ingredients slightly. For more sweetness, you can add a tablespoon or two of brown sugar.
- → What can I use this BBQ sauce on?
- This versatile sauce is delicious on pulled pork, chicken, ribs, burgers, as a pizza base, mixed into baked beans, as a meatloaf glaze, or simply as a dipping sauce for fries or onion rings.