Thickening Bbq Sauce: Slow Cooker Tricks For A Perfect Sauce

There are several ways to thicken BBQ sauce in a crockpot. One way is to simply cook the sauce on low heat until it reduces and becomes thicker. You can also add a thickening agent such as cornstarch, flour, or leftover mashed potatoes. If you want to avoid lumps when adding flour or cornstarch, make sure to mix it with cold water first. Another option is to stir in tomato paste, which will add a slightly more gelatinous texture and a richer flavor. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, instant mashed potatoes or pureed vegetables can also do the trick.

Cornstarch slurry

To make the cornstarch slurry, mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water. For example, you could use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water for every cup of BBQ sauce. It is important to use cold water to prevent clumping. You can mix the slurry in a small bowl or jar, and it is recommended to use a whisk or fork to ensure the mixture is clump-free.

Once your sauce is simmering in the crock pot, carefully drizzle in the cornstarch slurry while simultaneously whisking the sauce. Whisk quickly to prevent the cornstarch mixture from becoming lumpy. If your sauce is still not thick enough, you can simply make another small batch of slurry and repeat the process.

Simmering

Step 1: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry

The cornstarch slurry is a crucial component in thickening your BBQ sauce. For each cup of medium-thick sauce, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water or cold milk. It is important to use cold liquid to prevent the cornstarch from clumping. You can also use a gravy shaker or a jar to mix the cornstarch and water thoroughly, ensuring a lump-free slurry.

Step 2: Add the Cornstarch Slurry to the Sauce

Once your cornstarch slurry is ready, it's time to incorporate it into your BBQ sauce. Pour the slurry into your sauce while it is simmering in the crock pot. Make sure to stir continuously to avoid any lumps from forming.

Step 3: Simmer and Stir

After adding the cornstarch slurry, continue to simmer your sauce over medium heat. Keep stirring the sauce as it cooks. This step is crucial, as it allows the cornstarch to activate and thicken the sauce evenly.

Step 4: Monitor the Thickness

Keep a close eye on your sauce as it simmers. Depending on your desired thickness, you may need to adjust the amount of cornstarch slurry added. If your sauce is not thick enough, simply repeat the process by preparing another batch of cornstarch slurry and adding it to the crock pot, stirring continuously.

Step 5: Finalize and Serve

Once your BBQ sauce has reached your desired thickness, it's time to finalize and serve. Allow the sauce to cool down slightly, and then it's ready to be served with your favourite BBQ dishes. You can also store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later use.

Remember, when thickening BBQ sauce in a crock pot, it's important to simmer the sauce at a medium temperature to avoid burning. Additionally, always use cold liquid when preparing the cornstarch slurry to prevent clumping. By following these steps, you can easily achieve a thick and delicious BBQ sauce for your next cookout!

Tomato paste

If you're looking to thicken your BBQ sauce and it's tomato-based, tomato paste is an excellent method to try.

First, you'll want to make sure your BBQ sauce is hot. Then, simply stir in a few tablespoons of tomato paste. Whisk the paste into your sauce until it's fully incorporated. Taste your sauce and if you'd like it thicker, add more tomato paste.

Keep in mind that this method will add a distinct tomato flavour to your sauce, so if your sauce recipe doesn't usually include tomato, it may taste quite different than intended.

Additionally, be sure not to add tomato puree, as this will only make your sauce thinner.

Mashed potatoes

If you're looking to thicken your BBQ sauce in a crock pot, mashed potatoes are a great option. They add body, flavour, and thickness to your sauce. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Preparing the Mashed Potatoes

Start by peeling and chopping your potatoes into even-sized cubes. The number of potatoes you need will depend on the quantity of sauce you're making and how thick you want it to be. For a large batch of sauce or a thicker consistency, use more potatoes.

Place the potatoes in a pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water, which will help season the potatoes and enhance their flavour. Turn the heat to high and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high and let the potatoes simmer until they are fork-tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes. You can also roast or boil the potatoes, but boiling is the quickest option.

When the potatoes are cooked, drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot. Add a generous knob of butter, a splash of milk or cream, and a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Using a potato masher or electric mixer, mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can use a fork to mash them.

Thickening the BBQ Sauce

Now it's time to add the mashed potatoes to your BBQ sauce. For every cup of medium-thick sauce, you can use about half a cup of mashed potatoes as a starting point. If you want a thicker sauce, you can add more potatoes.

Place your BBQ sauce in a saucepan and heat it over medium heat. You want the sauce to be hot but not boiling. Slowly add the mashed potatoes to the sauce, stirring continuously with a whisk or a wooden spoon. Make sure the potatoes are fully incorporated into the sauce and that there are no lumps.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a smoother, creamier sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.

Tips and Tricks

• If you're short on time, you can use instant mashed potatoes. Simply add the dried potato flakes directly to the hot sauce, a tablespoon at a time, and wait about 5 minutes between each addition.
• For a thicker sauce, you can also simmer your BBQ sauce on low heat to reduce it before adding the mashed potatoes. This will help concentrate the flavours and make the sauce thicker.
• If you want to thicken the sauce even more, you can use a cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then slowly drizzle it into the sauce while whisking continuously.
• Keep in mind that mashed potatoes will add a creamy texture to your sauce, so this method is ideal if you're using the sauce as a dip. If you need a thinner sauce for basting or mopping, you may want to try a different thickening method, such as using a cornstarch slurry or reducing the sauce.
• If you have leftover mashed potatoes, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to use them, simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little milk or butter to adjust the consistency if needed.

Thickening BBQ sauce with mashed potatoes is a simple and effective way to achieve a rich, creamy sauce. It's a great option if you're looking for a dairy-free thickening method, and it's sure to take your BBQ game to the next level!

Roux

A roux is a mixture of equal parts flour and fat (usually butter) cooked in a pan over low to medium heat. To make a roux, follow these steps:

Step 1: Gather your ingredients

For a basic roux, you will need equal parts unsalted butter and all-purpose flour. You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as gluten-free flour or chickpea flour, depending on your preferences or dietary restrictions.

Step 2: Cook the butter and flour

Add the butter to a cooking pan and melt it over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the flour to the pan, stirring constantly with a wooden spatula or a whisk to break up any lumps in the flour. Continue cooking and stirring the mixture until it thickens.

Step 3: Add the roux to your sauce

Once your roux has thickened, it's time to add it to your BBQ sauce. Make sure your sauce is already simmering in the slow cooker before adding the roux. Stir the roux into the sauce and allow it to cook for a few minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 4: Adjust the consistency

If your sauce is not thick enough after adding the roux, you can repeat the process by making another batch of roux and adding it to the slow cooker. Alternatively, you can try other thickening agents such as cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or mashed potatoes. Just be sure to add a little at a time and stir continuously to avoid lumps.

Using a roux to thicken your BBQ sauce in a crockpot is a great way to add a rich and creamy texture to your dish. It is a preferred method of many professional chefs, and with a little practice, you can easily master this technique to elevate your slow-cooker meals.

Frequently asked questions