Making Bbq Sauce: A Scratch-Made Guide

Making your own barbecue sauce from scratch is easy and infinitely more delicious than anything you'll find at the store. While recipes vary, most include a combination of tomato sauce or ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices. Some recipes also call for liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, or other ingredients to add depth of flavor. The key to a great BBQ sauce is balancing the sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors to create a complex and bold sauce that can be used on everything from ribs to pizza.

Choosing your ingredients

The ingredients you choose for your BBQ sauce will depend on the type of sauce you want to make. BBQ sauces can be broadly categorised into tomato-based, mustard-based, vinegar-based, or black BBQ sauce.

Tomato-based

Tomato-based sauces are the most common type of BBQ sauce. They are usually red, thick, and sweet, with a tangy kick. To make a tomato-based sauce, you'll need:

• Ketchup: This will give your sauce its smooth, silky texture.
• Tomato sauce and/or tomato paste: These add to the tomato flavour and help thicken the sauce.
• Vinegar: Vinegar balances out the sweetness of the sugar with its acidity. Common types include apple cider vinegar and red wine vinegar.
• Brown sugar: This adds the signature sweetness of classic barbecue sauce.
• Spices and seasonings: These create the perfect flavour and include Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. You can also add hot sauce or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Water: This helps to loosen the sauce and prevent it from becoming too thick or gloopy.

Mustard-based

Mustard-based sauces are less common but offer a tangy kick that pairs well with pork items, especially smoked sausages. For a mustard-based sauce, you'll need:

Mustard: This adds a little bite and amplifies the tangy vinegar.

Vinegar-based

Vinegar-based sauces are high in vinegar and not as sweet as tomato-based sauces. They usually have a thinner consistency and less sugar to prevent burning on the grill. For a vinegar-based sauce, you'll need:

• Vinegar: This is the key ingredient, providing a tangy and spicy flavour.
• Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper: These add heat to the sauce.

Black BBQ sauce

Black BBQ sauce is a type of Worcestershire sauce that is often used as a base for other sauces. It is made with:

• Worcestershire sauce: This provides a savoury and slightly tangy flavour.
• Soy sauce or tamari: These add a similar savoury flavour as Worcestershire sauce and are often used as a vegetarian-friendly alternative.

Other ingredients

Depending on your taste preferences, you can also add other ingredients to your BBQ sauce, such as:

• Molasses: This adds a rich, dark colour and a classic BBQ flavour.
• Liquid smoke: This gives your sauce a smoky flavour.
• Fruits: Pineapple juice or cranberry juice can be added for a unique twist.
• Vegetables: Onions, garlic, and peppers can be added for more flavour.
• Meat drippings: Brisket or beef drippings can be used for a more intense meaty flavour.

Combining ingredients

Combining the ingredients is the first step in making BBQ sauce from scratch. The ingredients you'll need will vary depending on the type of BBQ sauce you want to make and your personal preferences, but some common ingredients include:

• Ketchup or tomato sauce/paste
• Brown sugar or maple syrup
• Vinegar (apple cider, red wine, or white vinegar)
• Molasses
• Water
• Spices and seasonings (such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt)
• Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
• Liquid smoke

Once you've gathered your ingredients, the next step is to combine them in a large saucepan. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences. Here are some specific combinations of ingredients to get you started:

• Combine 8 ounces of tomato sauce, 2/3 cup of light brown sugar, 1/4 cup of unsulphured molasses, 2/3 cup of red wine vinegar, 2 teaspoons of hickory-flavoured liquid smoke, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, chilli powder, ground mustard, and ground cinnamon.
• Combine 15 ounces of tomato sauce, 6 ounces of tomato paste, 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon each of dry mustard powder and garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper, and 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional).
• Combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, water, brown sugar, tamari or soy sauce, yellow mustard, garlic powder, ground cumin, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
• Combine brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, water, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with dry mustard, paprika, salt, black pepper, and hot pepper sauce.
• Combine 1/4 lb diced slab or thick-cut bacon, 1 diced carrot, 1 small diced Spanish onion, 1 small diced green bell pepper, 1 jalapeno or serrano pepper, 2-3 dried smoked chillies, 1 tablespoon of smoked sweet paprika, 1 tablespoon of Cajun or Mexican seasoning blend, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano or dried herb blend, 1/4 cup of tomato paste, 16 ounces of canned fire-roasted tomatoes, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce or tamari, and 1/4 cup of honey or molasses.

Mix the ingredients together in the saucepan until you have a smooth mixture. You can then proceed to cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it comes to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 to 20 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally.

Cooking the sauce

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to cook your sauce.

Once you've gathered and prepared your ingredients, it's time to cook your sauce. The process is relatively simple and can be done on a stovetop. Here are the steps you'll need to follow:

• Combine all your ingredients in a large saucepan and mix until smooth. Make sure to adjust the measurements based on your desired consistency and taste preferences.
• Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. The cooking time can vary from 10 to 60 minutes, depending on the recipe and your desired consistency. Stir the sauce occasionally during this process.
• Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool. As it cools, the sauce will thicken slightly.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more spices, sweetener, or vinegar to suit your taste.
• Once the sauce has cooled, it's ready to be served or stored. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Remember, the beauty of making your own barbecue sauce is that you can customise it to your liking. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavours to create your perfect BBQ sauce.

Storing the sauce

Storing your homemade BBQ sauce is a straightforward process. If you've made a big batch and want to keep it for longer, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Storing in the Fridge

To store your BBQ sauce in the fridge, first ensure it has cooled down completely. Then, pour it into an airtight container, such as a glass jar or plastic container. It should keep well for up to two weeks.

Storing in the Freezer

If you want to keep your sauce for longer, you can freeze it. Allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to use it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Sterilising and Sealing Jars

If you want to make your BBQ sauce last even longer, you can sterilise and seal your jars. First, clean your bottles or jars thoroughly with hot water. Then, fill them with your sauce while it's still simmering or just off the boil. Tighten the lids and allow them to cool. You should hear the lids pop as they seal. Stored this way, your sauce should last for months without the need for refrigeration.

How to Know if Your Sauce Has Gone Bad

Even with the best storage practices, BBQ sauce can still go bad. Here are some signs that your sauce has spoiled:

• Bacterial growth: if you see any fuzzy mould on the surface, neck, or cap of the bottle, discard it.
• Off smell: if the sauce smells fermented, mouldy, or otherwise unpleasant, it has likely gone bad.
• Drastic texture change: some separation is normal, but if there's a layer of liquid on top and the bottom is very dense, it's best to throw it out.
• Off taste: if your sauce doesn't show any of the above signs, give it a taste. If it doesn't taste right, discard it.

Tips for Storing Your Sauce

• Always seal the bottle or container tightly after use.
• Clean the lid and the top of the bottle or container regularly to prevent a crust from forming.
• Store the bottle upside down to help retain quality by preventing air from getting inside.
• Don't return leftover sauce that has been served for dipping back into the original container.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure your homemade BBQ sauce stays fresh and flavoursome for as long as possible.

Using the sauce

Now that you've made your BBQ sauce from scratch, it's time to put it to use! Here are some ideas and recipes to get you started:

Marinades and Glazes

The sticky, sweet, and tangy nature of BBQ sauce makes it perfect for marinating meats and vegetables. Try marinating chicken, tofu, pulled pork, ribs, or jackfruit sandwiches before grilling or barbecuing. You can also mix BBQ sauce with honey and a little oil to create a meat glaze that will give your ribs, beef, or chicken a beautiful shine and an extra punch of flavour.

Dipping Sauces

BBQ sauce is a fantastic dipping sauce for meats, vegetables, fries, onion rings, sweet potato fries, chicken fingers, and tortilla chips. For a spicier kick, add a dash of Tabasco to your BBQ sauce.

Pizza Sauce

Swap out the traditional tomato puree for BBQ sauce when making your next pizza. Top with cooked chicken, onions, cheese, and anything else you desire. You can also add BBQ sauce to flatbreads or tortillas for a unique twist.

Condiments

Spread BBQ sauce on your burgers, sandwiches, wraps, or grilled cheese for an extra punch of flavour. It's a great way to elevate your condiments and make your meals more exciting.

Pasta Sauce

Create a unique BBQ-style pasta sauce by frying off some onion, adding a splash of real ale, a couple of dollops of BBQ sauce, and a sprinkle of cornflour to thicken. This will give your pasta a smoky, tangy twist.

Casseroles and Stews

Stir BBQ sauce into your casseroles and stews to add depth of flavour and a Texan twist. It's a great way to thicken your sauce and give it a rich, sweet taste.

Beans

Add a generous amount of BBQ sauce to your beans, whether they are canned or homemade. It will give them an extra kick of flavour and make them more exciting.

Quesadillas and Fajitas

Fill a tortilla with cheese, chicken, and BBQ sauce for a delicious BBQ quesadilla. Or, try making your own fajitas and use BBQ sauce as a base for a sweet and sticky version.

Tray Bakes

Throw some veggies and meat (if desired) into a tray, bake it, and then pour over some BBQ sauce near the end of cooking. It will give your tray bake a sticky, sweet glaze and add extra flavour.

Meatballs

Slather your BBQ sauce on meatballs for a tasty treat. You can also try making BBQ chicken drummies or chicken tacos for a finger-licking good meal.

Frequently asked questions