The Science Behind Thick, Homemade Bbq Sauce

There are many ways to thicken homemade BBQ sauce, and the best method will depend on the desired consistency and taste. One way to thicken BBQ sauce is by reduction, which involves boiling the sauce with the lid off to allow excess moisture to evaporate. This method can be time-consuming and may alter the flavour of the sauce. Another option is to use a cornstarch slurry, which involves mixing cornstarch and water and then adding it to the sauce while whisking. This method is quick and effective but can make the sauce lumpy if not done properly. Other thickeners include tomato paste, mashed potatoes, pureed vegetables, and egg yolks.

Removing excess water

To remove excess water, pour your sauce into a pan and simmer on low heat. It's important not to let the sauce boil, as this can affect the flavour and texture of your sauce. Instead, keep the sauce at a low temperature so that the water evaporates slowly. This process can take a while, so it's best to stay close to the stove and keep stirring the sauce. This will ensure that your sauce doesn't burn, especially if your sauce contains a lot of brown sugar.

Keep simmering your sauce until it reaches your desired thickness. Remember, the sauce will continue to evaporate for a minute or so after you remove it from the heat, so it's best to stop heating just before it reaches the perfect consistency.

This method is a great way to thicken your sauce without adding any extra ingredients or affecting the flavour. It may take a little longer, but it's a simple and effective way to get the perfect BBQ sauce consistency.

Using flour

If your homemade BBQ sauce is too thin, flour can be used as a thickening agent to help achieve an excellent creamy texture. However, you can't simply add flour to your sauce. Instead, you need to create a flour solution by mixing it with water.

For every cup of BBQ sauce, you will need to mix two tablespoons of flour with a quarter of a cup of water. It is important to combine these ingredients well in a separate bowl, ensuring that the mixture is consistent and free of lumps. Once you have a smooth paste, you can set it aside.

Next, heat your BBQ sauce in a saucepan over a medium heat. Once the sauce is simmering, add your flour and water mixture, stirring continuously with a spoon. Keep the sauce on a medium heat until it reaches your desired consistency.

It is worth noting that adding flour to your BBQ sauce will slightly alter the flavour and texture. If you are looking for a glossier sheen to your sauce, cornstarch might be a better option. Cornstarch is also a more powerful thickening agent than flour, but it may be broken down by ingredients like tomatoes, which are commonly found in BBQ sauces.

Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the amount of flour you use. Using too much flour can result in a dense and gummy sauce.

Using cornstarch

Cornstarch is a great way to thicken your BBQ sauce, especially if you plan on using it on ribs. Cornstarch can help create a glossy sheen across whatever you apply it to, which is exactly the kind of aesthetic that goes so well with BBQ ribs. It's actually a far better thickening agent than flour, but what can let it down is that it can sometimes be broken down by ingredients like tomatoes, which are often present in BBQ sauces.

To use cornstarch to thicken your BBQ sauce, you should mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water for every cup of BBQ sauce. Mix the cornstarch and water well in a small bowl, getting rid of any lumps. Once you've achieved a good consistency, mix it into your BBQ sauce and combine well.

It's not entirely necessary to mix the cornstarch with water first, but doing so will prevent clumping and will ensure that the thickener is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

If you want to avoid lumps, it's best to make a cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch with water first, before adding it to your sauce. When your sauce is very hot on the stove, stir together your slurry in a small bowl and carefully drizzle it into your pot while simultaneously whisking. With this method, it's important to whisk quickly, or the cornstarch mixture could become lumpy in your sauce. If it's still not thick enough, you can make another small slurry and repeat the process.

You can also try this same method using arrowroot powder, potato starch, or tapioca starch instead of cornstarch. These starches work in the same quantities.

Adding fats (e.g. butter, heavy cream, coconut cream)

Adding fats such as butter, heavy cream, or coconut cream can help thicken your BBQ sauce while also adding a rich, creamy flavour.

Butter

To thicken your BBQ sauce with butter, heat one cup (250ml) of BBQ sauce with one tablespoon (14g) of butter over a medium heat. Once the sauce starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and stir for two to three minutes or until you reach your desired consistency.

If your sauce is still too thin, you can add more butter in small amounts. It is recommended to use organic butter, as this works best. You can substitute margarine for butter, but it should be a trans-fat-free type.

Heavy Cream

To use heavy cream, combine one tablespoon (15ml) with one cup (250ml) of BBQ sauce. Heat the mixture until it boils, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.

Heavy cream will add a rich flavour to your sauce, so using more than the recommended amount will start to change the flavour significantly.

Coconut Cream

For a vegan option, you can use coconut cream. Heat one cup (250ml) of BBQ sauce with one tablespoon (15ml) of coconut cream over a medium heat. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer the sauce for two to three minutes, stirring until you reach your desired thickness.

As with the other options, you can add more coconut cream if your sauce isn't thick enough. However, the coconut cream will alter the flavour of your BBQ sauce, so it is recommended to start by adding small amounts to see if you like the flavour.

Boiling the sauce

Boiling your BBQ sauce is a great way to thicken it. This method works for both store-bought and homemade sauces and is a good option if you want to avoid adding extra ingredients.

To boil your BBQ sauce, pour it into a medium saucepan and place it on the stove. Set the temperature to medium and heat the sauce, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. As the sauce heats up, steam will begin to evaporate, and the liquid will reduce, thickening the sauce. Keep a close eye on the sauce as it cooks, as you'll want to remove it from the heat just before it reaches your desired thickness. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.

If you're short on time, you can turn up the heat to speed up the process, but be careful not to let the sauce burn. You can also use a slow cooker if you want to thicken your sauce over a longer period at a lower temperature.

While boiling is an effective way to thicken your sauce, it can be a bit time-consuming, and you'll need to monitor the sauce closely to prevent overcooking or burning.

Frequently asked questions