Name: Homemade BBQ Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1½ cups ketchup; 1 cupapple cider vinegar; ¼ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 2 tablespoons ground mustard; 4 tablespoons chili powder; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; cayenne pepper to taste; 3 thin slices lemon

Discover > Texas Recipes > Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe

Nothing captures the taste of summer quite like a good barbeque meal. Whether you’re grilling burgers or ribs, putting together an amazing barbeque dish takes just the right balance of ingredients. One such ingredient that should never be neglected is BBQ sauce, but rather than settling for what you find in the store, why not whip up your own? With this homemade BBQ sauce recipe, you can achieve finger-licking flavor with easy to find ingredients. So fire up those grills and let’s get cooking!

Texas Barbecue

When it comes to food, Texas knows how to do things right. Out of all the iconic flavors and dishes the state boasts, barbecue (What wine goes well with barbecue?) reigns supreme. This smoky, succulent meat has been a staple for generations, with its history and roots running deep in the state's culture. From the spicier rubs of Central Texas to the sweeter sauces of East Texas, Texans take their barbecue seriously and with good reason. The meat is slow-smoked to perfection, and the result is a mouthwatering treat that's impossible to resist. Whether you're a seasoned barbecue connoisseur or new to the scene, one thing is certain: you can't come to Texas without trying some of the best barbecue in the world.

All About Texas Barbecue Sauce

While it's true that barbecue sauce plays an important role in enhancing the flavors of Texas Barbecue, it's worth noting that traditional Texas Barbecue often emphasizes the quality and natural flavors of the meat, and some purists argue that a great Texas Barbecue doesn't necessarily need sauce. However, barbecue sauce can still be a delicious addition to enhance the overall experience. Here are some key points about barbecue sauce in Texas Barbecue:

Simplicity

Texas Barbecue sauce tends to be simple and straightforward, focusing on a balance of flavors that complements the smoky and meaty profiles. The emphasis is on letting the natural flavors of the meat shine rather than overpowering them with sauce.

Tomato-Based

Most Texas Barbecue sauces have a tomato base, often using tomato sauce, ketchup, or tomato paste (how long does tomato paste last?) as a starting point. This provides a tangy and slightly sweet foundation for the sauce.

I highly recommend purchasing tomato sauce, ketchup, or tomato paste online for a convenient shopping experience!

Balance of Sweet and Tangy

The flavor profile of Texas Barbecue sauce typically strikes a balance between sweetness and tanginess. Sweetness can come from ingredients like brown sugar (how long does sugar last?), molasses (how long does molasses last?), honey, or even fruit juices, while tanginess is achieved through the use of vinegar or citrus juices.

If you're looking for brown sugar, molasses, honey, and vinegar, buying it online is your best bet!

Heat and Spice

Texas Barbecue sauce can incorporate heat and spice to varying degrees, depending on personal preferences. This can be achieved by adding ingredients like chili powder, cayenne pepper, hot sauce (how long does hot sauce last?), or even chipotle peppers for a smoky kick.

For the most extensive selection, I suggest buying chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even chipotle peppers online!

Additional Flavor Enhancements

While simplicity is often valued, some variations of Texas Barbecue sauce may include additional flavor enhancers such as Worcestershire sauce (how long does worcestershire sauce last?), mustard (how long does mustard last?), garlic powder, (how long does garlic powder last?) onion powder (how long does onion powder last?), or spices like cumin or paprika. These ingredients can add depth and complexity to the sauce.

Save time and effort by ordering Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, or paprika online!

Mopping or Glazing

In Texas Barbecue, the sauce is often used as a mop or glaze during the cooking process rather than slathering it on the meat at the end. Mopping involves periodically brushing the sauce onto the meat as it cooks to keep it moist and add flavor. Glazing is typically done towards the end of cooking to create a glossy, caramelized coating on the surface of the meat.

Sauce on the Side

When serving Texas Barbecue, it's common to provide the sauce on the side rather than drowning the meat in it. This allows individuals to add sauce according to their personal preference, letting the quality of the meat remain the star of the show.

Ultimately, the choice to use barbecue sauce in Texas Barbecue is a matter of personal taste. While some prefer the simplicity and natural flavors of the meat, others enjoy the added dimension that a well-crafted barbecue sauce can bring. Whichever way you prefer, the key is to ensure that the sauce enhances the barbecue experience without overpowering the smoky and meaty flavors that Texas Barbecue is known for.

How to Make a Texas Barbecue Sauce

Here's a homemade BBQ sauce recipe that incorporates flavors and ingredients often found in Texas-style barbecue.

This recipe combines several ingredients that are readily available in Texas and commonly used in barbecue sauces.

The foundation of the sauce begins with 1 ½ cups of ketchup, which serves as a base and provides a tangy tomato flavor. Texas is known for its agricultural abundance, and tomatoes are grown throughout the state, making them easily accessible.
Next, the recipe calls for 1 cup of apple cider vinegar (how long does apple cider vinegar last?), which adds a tangy and slightly sweet note to the sauce. Apples (how long do apples last?)are grown in various regions of Texas, making apple cider vinegar a natural ingredient choice.
To enhance the umami flavors and provide a savory kick, the recipe includes ¼ cup of soy sauce (how long does soy sauce last?). While soy sauce is not native to Texas, it has become a popular ingredient in Texan cuisine due to its ability to impart depth and richness to dishes.
Another essential ingredient in this recipe is ¼ cup of Worcestershire sauce, which contributes a complex flavor profile with its blend of vinegar, molasses, and spices. Worcestershire sauce is a staple in many Texas pantries, used not only in barbecue sauces but also in marinades and various other dishes.
To add sweetness and depth of flavor, the recipe incorporates 1 cup of packed brown sugar, which balances the tangy and savory components of the sauce. Brown sugar is a common pantry staple in Texas households and is often used in barbecue sauces and rubs.
Texas cuisine is known for its bold and robust flavors, and this recipe incorporates several spices to achieve that characteristic Texan taste. It includes 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 2 tablespoons of ground mustard, 4 tablespoons of chili powder, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. These spices add depth, warmth, and a touch of heat to the sauce, reflecting the Texan preference for bold flavors.
To incorporate a hint of citrus, the recipe calls for 3 thin slices of lemon. Although not native to Texas, lemons are readily available in grocery stores throughout the state and are often used to brighten and add a tangy note to dishes.
To bring all the flavors together, the ingredients are combined in a saucepan and brought to a simmer over medium-high heat. This process allows the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a harmonious and well-balanced sauce.
Once the sauce reaches a simmer, the heat is reduced to medium-low, and the sauce is whisked continuously for 5 minutes. This step helps thicken the sauce slightly and ensures all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Finally, the recipe instructs removing the lemon slices and refrigerating the sauce. Refrigeration helps the flavors to further develop and meld over time. This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for weeks, allowing you to enjoy the taste of Texas barbecue whenever you desire.
Don't miss out on the ease and convenience of purchasing ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce online!

In summary, this homemade BBQ sauce recipe incorporates ingredients commonly found in Texas and reflects the flavors and traditions of Texas-style barbecue. From the tanginess of apple cider vinegar to the rich umami of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, and the boldness of spices like chili powder and ground mustard, this sauce captures the essence of Texas barbecue and is sure to enhance any grilled or smoked meat dish.

Author: Mariano Clement Gupana