Original Barbecue Sauce
A rich, smoky barbecue sauce with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, ideal for grilling, dipping, or topping your favorite grilled meats and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup tomato paste ⓘ
- 2/3 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 1 1/4 teaspoons liquid smoke (hickory-flavored) ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- dash of cayenne pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over high heat and whisk until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes or until thick.
- Cool the sauce, then store in a covered container in the refrigerator overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer and adjust the heat accordingly. If you need a gluten-free option, ensure that the liquid smoke and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. You can also substitute the dark brown sugar with light brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile. Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with grilled meats, such as chicken or ribs, and is also great for dipping vegetables or chips. Serve it alongside sides like coleslaw or cornbread for a complete meal. For a refreshing drink, try serving it with a glass of Sherbet Tea Punch to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze it in ice cube trays and transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, or warm it gently on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Original Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 760 calories, with 17g protein, 180g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (121% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (101% of the Daily Value), and iron (77% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1068mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
Yes, you can modify the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar or corn syrup to your desired taste. If you're looking for a less sweet option, consider reducing the amount of sugar or using a sugar alternative that suits your dietary needs.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or incorporate chopped fresh jalapeños or hot sauce. Start with small increments to ensure it doesn't overpower the other flavors, and taste as you go to achieve the perfect spice level for your preference.
Is this barbecue sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this barbecue sauce is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. If you're looking for a specific recipe to complement your vegan dishes, browse more vegan recipes to find delicious pairings that align with your dietary choices.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).