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Neely's BBQ Sauce

This recipe guides you through making Neely's classic BBQ sauce, a versatile condiment with a balanced sweet and tangy flavor. It involves combining simple ingredients and simmering them slowly for over an hour to achieve a rich, thick consistency perfect for grilling, dipping, or slathering on your favorite meats.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 3 people
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 976.8
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 cups ketchup
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 5 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 5 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Equipment

  • 1 Medium Saucepan Preferably heavy-bottomed to prevent scorching.
  • 1 Whisk or Heat-Proof Spatula For thorough mixing and frequent stirring.
  • 1 Set of Measuring Cups For accurate liquid and dry ingredient measurement.
  • 1 Set of Measuring Spoons For precise measurement of spices and smaller quantities.
  • 1 Airtight Container or Jar For proper storage of the finished sauce.

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 1 hour 15 minutes.

Notes

1. Simmering time is crucial: The 1 hour 15 minutes is vital for the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce and thicken to the right consistency. Don't rush this step.2. Stir frequently: Due to the sugar content, this sauce can easily scorch on the bottom if not stirred often. A heavy-bottomed saucepan helps, but constant attention is key.3. Adjust sweetness and tang: Taste the sauce towards the end of the simmering process. You can add a touch more sugar for sweetness or a splash more apple cider vinegar for extra tang, depending on your preference.4. For enhanced flavor: Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier note, or a dash of liquid smoke for a more intense BBQ flavor profile.