Stovetop Barbecue Sauce
You do not need a list of twenty ingredients to make a sauce that sticks to ribs and chicken. The goal here is a deep, tacky glaze that holds its own against charcoal smoke.
Watch the sugar content.
Because this sauce is sugar-heavy, it will scorch quickly if the heat is too high. Keep the flame at a low simmer.
- heavy-bottomed saucepan
- whisk
- silicone spatula
What goes in.
- 1.5 cupsketchup
- 1/2 cupapple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cupdark molasses
- 1/4 cupbrown sugar, packed
- 1 tbspworcestershire sauce
- 1 tspsmoked paprika
- 1/2 tspcayenne pepper
- 1/2 tspcoarse black pepper
The Spoon Test
Dip a metal spoon into the sauce and pull it out. When the sauce coats the back of the spoon and you can draw a clean line through it with your finger that doesn't fill back in, it is ready.
The method.
Combine the base
Whisk the ketchup, vinegar, molasses, and brown sugar in the saucepan over medium heat until smooth.
Incorporate spices
Stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a very gentle bubble.
Reduce
Lower the heat to low. Let it simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Stir every few minutes to ensure the sugars on the bottom do not burn.
Cool and store
Remove from heat once it thickens. Let it come to room temperature before transferring to a glass jar.
Other turns to take.
Spicy Heat
Add two minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the base before simmering.
Mustard Tang
Replace half the ketchup with yellow prepared mustard for a Carolina-style edge.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Do not use high heat. Molasses burns fast and will turn the sauce bitter.
Store in a sterilized glass jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
If the sauce becomes too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of water or apple cider vinegar to loosen it.
The ones that keep coming up.
Can I use honey instead of molasses?
Yes, but it will change the flavor profile significantly. Molasses provides the earthy bitterness common in classic sauces; honey will make it much sweeter and thinner.
Why is my sauce grainy?
The brown sugar may not have fully dissolved. Ensure you whisk thoroughly at the beginning and maintain a consistent, low simmer.
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