
Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce is a popular condiment that can be used on grilled chicken, barbecue chicken pizza, ribs, beans, nuggets, pulled pork, salad, and more. While the original sauce can be purchased in stores, some people prefer to make their own version at home to avoid ingredients like artificial colours and preservatives. Making your own Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce is simple and only requires a few easy-to-find ingredients. The process involves combining the ingredients, bringing them to a boil, and then reducing the heat to let the sauce simmer until it reaches the desired consistency.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Prep Time | 5 minutes |
Cook Time | 10-20 minutes |
Total Time | 15-25 minutes |
Calories | 497 kcal |
Ingredients | Ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, pineapple juice, Worcestershire sauce, ground mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, cornstarch, water, liquid smoke |
What You'll Learn
Ingredients
Making your own barbecue sauce at home is a great way to ensure you know exactly what goes into your food. Here is a list of ingredients you can use to make your own version of Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce.
- Ketchup: The base of the sauce. Try to use a ketchup that isn't too sweet, as the addition of brown sugar and molasses will already make the sauce very sweet. Some brands have no sugar added, which would work well.
- Brown sugar: This adds sweetness to the sauce.
- Molasses: This adds both sweetness and a deep, rich flavour.
- Pineapple juice: This adds a unique fruity flavour.
- Worcestershire sauce: This adds an umami flavour. Keep in mind that Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies, so it is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians. You can swap it out for a vegan-friendly alternative.
- Apple cider vinegar: This adds a tangy flavour.
- Seasonings: Smoked paprika is the most important seasoning, as it adds depth of flavour and a smoky taste. You can also add dry mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Hot sauce: This adds a bit of a kick!
- Cornstarch: This helps to thicken the sauce.
- Liquid smoke: You can add this for a smokier flavour.
You can adjust the amounts of these ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Play around with different combinations and amounts to create your perfect barbecue sauce!
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Method
Firstly, gather all your ingredients: ketchup, dark brown sugar, molasses, pineapple juice, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, dry mustard powder, smoked paprika, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, hot sauce, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
Now, add all your ingredients to a medium-sized saucepan, along with a big splash of water. Whisk until the mixture is smooth, with no lumps.
Next, place the saucepan on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so don't overcook it.
Finally, serve immediately or store it in the fridge. This sauce will keep in the refrigerator for up to four weeks.
Enjoy your homemade Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce!
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Storage
Storing your homemade Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce is simple. Once the sauce has cooled, you can transfer it to a jar with a tight-fitting lid. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to four weeks.
If you want to store it for longer, you can portion the sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze it. When you need some sauce, simply thaw it in the fridge and it's ready to use!
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Uses
Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in a multitude of ways to enhance the flavour of various dishes. Here are some ideas for how to use this delicious sauce:
Grilled Meats
The sauce can be used as a marinade or basting sauce for grilled meats such as chicken, beef, and pork. Brush it on while grilling to add a tangy, smoky flavour to your favourite barbecue dishes.
Dipping Sauce
For a finger-licking good experience, use the sauce as a dipping sauce for nuggets, chicken tenders, or even fried vegetables. It adds a sweet and spicy kick to your favourite fried treats.
Pizza Sauce
Take your pizza game up a notch by using Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce as the base. Top it with your favourite meats, vegetables, and cheeses for a unique and mouth-watering pizza experience.
Salad Dressing
For a tangy twist to your salad, use the BBQ sauce as a dressing. It pairs well with crispy chicken salads, adding a touch of sweetness and spice to the greens.
Sandwich Spread
Elevate your sandwiches by spreading a generous amount of the sauce on the bread. It goes well with pulled pork, chicken, or beef sandwiches, adding a burst of flavour to every bite.
Baked Beans
Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce can be used to make delicious, smoky baked beans. Mix the sauce with cooked beans and your favourite seasonings for a hearty and flavourful side dish.
Customisation
Feel free to experiment and customise the sauce to your taste preferences. You can add more cayenne pepper for an extra kick, or reduce the amount of brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet sauce. The possibilities are endless!
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Nutritional Information
The nutritional information for Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce varies depending on the recipe used and the serving size. Here is a breakdown of the nutritional information for a copycat recipe of Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce and the original sauce:
Copycat Recipe:
- Calories: 76kcal
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 317mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 17g
Original Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce:
- Calories: 497kcal
- Added Sugar: 4 teaspoons
- Fruit, Vegetable, Bean or Nut Content: 0%
- Saturated Fat Content: 0%
- Processing Concern: Moderate
- Serving Size: 1.25 fl oz (35g)
- Total Carbohydrate: 18g
- Includes 15g Added Sugars
The original Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce also contains ingredients that may be of concern to some consumers, such as high fructose corn syrup, natural smoke flavor, and caramel color. Additionally, the product is not certified organic and may contain genetically engineered ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need the following ingredients: ketchup, dark brown sugar, pineapple juice, hickory liquid smoke, ground mustard, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, black pepper, cornstarch, water, molasses, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, dry mustard powder, hot sauce, onion powder, and tamarind.
The amount of each ingredient varies depending on the recipe, but generally, you will need around 1 cup of ketchup, 1 cup of dark brown sugar, 1/4 cup of pineapple juice, 1 tablespoon of hickory liquid smoke, 2-2.5 teaspoons of ground mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, 1-1.5 teaspoons of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1/8 cup of water, 1/4 cup of molasses, 1-2 teaspoons of smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of dry mustard powder, 1 teaspoon of hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and a small amount of tamarind.
First, combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan and whisk until smooth. Then, bring the mixture to a boil. Finally, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-15 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
You can store the leftover BBQ sauce in a jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
Yes, you can make a vegan version by using a vegan-friendly Worcestershire sauce.