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Barbecue sauce in a glass jar.
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Barbecue Sauce

Here’s a Barbecue Sauce recipe that’s every bit as Sweet Baby Ray’s famous sauce. It’s all natural, made by you, and only takes a few minutes.
Course Pantry
Cuisine American
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 48
Calories 27kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a non-reactive saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple juice, molasses, tamarind paste, liquid smoke, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
  • Bring the sauce to a low boil; reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until flavors have blended, about 15 to 20 minutes. Season to taste with apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Notes

  1. Molasses: Substitute 1/4 cup dark corn syrup, honey, or maple syrup, or 3 tablespoons firmly-packed brown sugar (the flavor of the sauce will change). 
  2. Tamarind paste: Look for this sour paste in Asian and Indian sections of grocery stores. In a pinch, you can substitute 1 teaspoon brown sugar + 1 teaspoon white vinegar or lime juice. You can also buy it online (Culinary Hill may earn money if you buy through this link).
  3. Liquid smoke: In a pinch, substitute 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (the flavor of the sauce will change).
  4. Cayenne pepper: Add to taste (I like 1/8 teaspoon) or omit entirely.
  5. Yield: One batch makes about 4 cups of sauce.
  6. Make ahead: Cool and refrigerate up to 4 days in advance.
  7. Storage: Store leftovers covered for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
  8. Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tbsp | Calories: 27kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 94mg | Potassium: 64mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 57IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg