Store-bought barbecue sauces may be convenient, but they are typically loaded with sugar or corn syrup. We season a rich tomato base with a little molasses, vinegar, and liquid smoke for a standout sauce in a mere 15 minutes.
Blue Ribbon Barbecue Sauce
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
Author: The Perfect Portion
Recipe type: Dressings, Sauces & jams
Makes: 4 Sauce portions
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ¼ cup finely diced yellow onion
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 ½ tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke (sold near the spices)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- Salt to taste
Directions
- Heat the oil and onions in a saucepot over medium-high heat, and cook until golden brown and softened, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, and stir in all the remaining ingredients, except the salt. Cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat, and add salt to taste. Store covered and refrigerated for up to 10 days.
HELPFUL TIP: This recipe makes 1 ⅓ cups of sauce, about the same amount as a standard bottle of store-bought sauce.
Serving size: ⅓ cup Calories: 100
