Whether you prefer a thick, rich, tomato-based sauce or a tangy, spicy, Carolina-style sauce, our three recipes for barbecue sauce probably have a taste that you can enjoy. Making your own barbecue sauce is quick and easy and there's no reason to rely on store-bought sauces.
Perfect for topping grilled or smoked meats, barbecue sauce has become a staple item that many people keep in their refrigerators at all times. The typical bottle of commercial barbecue sauce is tomato-based, thick, and spicy. But did you know that many other versions of barbecue sauce exist? We are offering you three different recipes for barbecue sauce that you can try on all of your cooked meats.
Eastern Carolina Barbecue Sauce
When many people think of barbecue sauce, they think of a rich, thick, tomato-based sauce that is perfect for dipping things like chicken nuggets into. However, this recipe for barbecue sauce is a bit different. In certain parts of the country, barbecue sauce isn’t supposed to be thick and tomato-based.
Eastern Carolina Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Wire whisk
- Small bowl
- Fork
- Plastic Squeeze Bottle
Ingredients
- 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Molasses
- ¼ cup Butter
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- ½ tbsp Dry Mustard
- ½ cup Packed Brown Sugar
- ½ tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 teaspoons Cornstarch
- 2 tbsp Water
Instructions
- Measure the apple cider vinegar, molasses, dry mustard, butter, and cayenne pepper into a small saucepan. Use a whisk to combine these ingredients. Add the Worcestershire sauce and the brown sugar, turning the heat under the pot to medium. Continue whisking the mixture as you bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer it.
- In a small bowl, mix the water and the cornstarch with a fork or a small whisk. Stir these together until the cornstarch is dissolved.
- Slowly, stir the cornstarch and water mixture into the simmering pot. Continue whisking as you add the cornstarch to avoid its forming lumps. Simmer this mixture for about 1 minute.
- The sauce will thicken somewhat. However, this sauce will not be as thick as many other kinds of sauces and that is to be expected.
- Remove the pot from the heat and allow the sauce to cool before you pour it into a plastic squeeze bottle. This sauce is perfect to serve over pulled pork.
- Store this barbecue sauce in the refrigerator for up to a month. You may need to shake the sauce before you use it.
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Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce
While the Carolinas like their barbecue sauce thin, tangy, and vinegar-based, other people prefer a richer version. Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauces are typically what people think of when one talks about barbecue sauce. The sauce is tomato-based and slightly sweetened by the additions of molasses and brown sugar.
Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Wire whisk
- Small saucepan
- Jar with Tight Lid
Ingredients
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Molasses
- 1½ tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- ¼ cup Packed Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Prepared Yellow Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- ½ tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- ¾ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
Instructions
- Measure all of your ingredients into a small mixing bowl, stirring well with a whisk to incorporate all of them.
- Transfer this mixture to a small saucepan and set it on the stove set to medium heat.
- When the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat under the pot and let it simmer. Cook this mixture at a simmer for about ten minutes, stirring frequently to keep it from scorching on the bottom.
- Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. Transfer the sauce to a jar with a tightly fitting lid. This is a good general-purpose barbecue sauce and is good to slather on ribs, chicken, or brisket. Additionally, if you want to spoon it over pulled pork it is marvelous.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer-term storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months but should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before you plan to use it.
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Honey Barbecue Sauce
Meat cooked over an open fire gives you a smoky, charred flavor, and one kind of sauce that perfectly accents these flavors is a honey barbecue sauce.
Honey Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Small Skillet
- Spatula
- Heat-Proof Container
Ingredients
- ½ cup Cider Vinegar
- ¼ cup Melted Butter
- ½ cup Ketchup
- ¼ cup Worcestershire Sauce
- ¼ cup Honey
- ½ tbsp Hot Sauce
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients into a small-sized skillet. Stir them well and cook the mixture over medium heat, until the sauce comes to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer it for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and allow the sauce to cool before pouring it into a heatproof container. Store in the refrigerator. The butter may separate from this sauce when you refrigerate it. If this happens, microwave the sauce in 15-second bursts until the butter on top melts. Then you can shake the jar to incorporate it into the barbecue sauce. Store this sauce in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Meals: All Recipes | Breakfast | Dinner (Mains) | Dessert | Side Dishes | Soups | Appetizers | Salads | Snacks | Beverages
Dishes: Pasta | Chicken | Casseroles | Rice | Potato | Pies | Cookies | Bread | Cakes | Pancakes | Cheesecakes | Scones | Muffins