A thick, tangy, lightly smoky barbecue sauce built from pantry staples. Tomato and molasses give it body, vinegar and Worcestershire keep it sharp, and a short simmer pulls it together into a sauce that clings to whatever you brush it on.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) ketchup
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
Instructions
- 1Whisk everything together in a small saucepan.
- 2Bring to a low simmer over medium heat, then drop the heat to low.
- 3Simmer 15 to 20 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- 4Cool. It thickens more as it sits.
Cook's Note
This is a base, not a finish. Brush it on in the last few minutes of cooking; sugar this high scorches if it sits over direct heat too long. For a glaze, simmer an extra 5 minutes until it is noticeably thicker.
How to Use This
Brush on ribs, chicken, pulled pork, or burgers in the last few minutes of cooking. Also good as a dip or stirred into baked beans.
Why This Foundation Works
Ketchup gives you a seasoned tomato base in one step, so the sauce comes together fast. Molasses is the backbone, it brings a dark, almost bitter depth that plain sugar cannot, while Worcestershire and smoked paprika push it toward the grill without a smoker. The simmer drives off the raw vinegar edge and lets the spices bloom.
Make It Yours
- Add 1 to 2 tsp chipotle in adobo for smoke and heat.
- Swap the yellow mustard for 2 tbsp Dijon for a Carolina lean.
- Stir in a splash of bourbon or cola during the simmer.
Leftover Strategy
Keeps in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Stir before using.
Common Questions
Can I make this without ketchup?
Swap the ketchup for 6 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp water, and 1 tbsp extra brown sugar. You get a smaller, less sweet, more tomato-forward batch.
How do I make it thick enough for a glaze?
Simmer an extra 5 to 10 minutes on low until it coats a spoon heavily. It also firms up as it cools, so do not over-reduce while it is hot.
Is barbecue sauce base vegetarian?
Worcestershire sauce usually contains anchovy, so it is not strictly vegetarian. Use a vegan Worcestershire or a splash of soy sauce to keep it meat-free.