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Homemade BBQ Sauce

This easy homemade BBQ sauce recipe yields a rich, flavorful condiment with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky notes. Starting with gently sautéed aromatics, it combines ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, and chipotle peppers, simmering to develop deep, complex flavors. Ideal for grilling, dipping, or slathering on various meats.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: lunch/dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 811.1
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 onion diced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup molasses
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 4 tablespoons distilled vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Dash salt

Equipment

  • 1 Saucepan Medium-sized for simmering
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Heatproof Spatula For stirring and preventing sticking
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Chef's Knife For mincing garlic and dicing onion
  • 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons Set For accurate ingredient measurement

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and onions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring, being careful not to burn them. Reduce the heat to low. Add the ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, chipotle peppers, vinegar (or less to taste), Worcestershire sauce and salt and stir. Allow to simmer for 20 minutes. Taste after simmering and add whatever ingredient it needs (more spice, more sugar, etc.).

Notes

1. Aromatic Foundation: Ensure the garlic and onions are cooked slowly over medium-low heat until softened and translucent, not browned or burnt. This prevents bitterness and builds a sweet, savory base for your sauce.2. Flavor Balance: BBQ sauce is highly customizable. After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness (brown sugar/molasses), tanginess (vinegar), and heat (chipotle peppers) to your personal preference. A small dash more salt can also enhance the overall flavor profile.3. Chipotle Choice: The minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are crucial for the smoky heat. Adjust their quantity to control the spiciness level. For an even deeper smoky note, consider adding a tiny amount of liquid smoke, but use sparingly as it can be potent.4. Consistency: The sauce will thicken as it simmers. If it becomes too thick for your liking, you can thin it out with a little water or chicken stock. For a super smooth sauce, an immersion blender can be used after cooling slightly.