Wednesday, August 20, 2014

DIY Series: Smoky Barbecue Sauce

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When I have family or friends traveling from abroad, they always kindly remember to ask me if I need any ingredients. No one asks me if I need perfumes or shoes or clothes. They know my needs! Who needs to smell good when you can make your food smell amazing with smoke in a bottle. 

I love this recipe for barbecue sauce. It isn't too tangy, isn't too sweet and has a lovely burn from the hot sauce. I added a lot more than what I wrote in the recipe, and we loved it!

It is really simple to make. You just throw it all into a pot and let it simmer till for 10 minutes, let it thicken up a little and you have an awesome homemade barbecue sauce. 

Smoky Barbecue Sauce 
Loosely Adapted from chow.com
Ingredients  
2 1/2 cups ketchup 
1/4 cup dark brown sugar 
3 tbsp honey 
2 tbsp prepared mustard
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 tsp (use less or more to taste) hot sauce (I used Tabasco)
1/2 tsp white pepper (can use black)
2 tsp liquid smoke (optional)
3 tbsp apple cider (or white) vinegar 
1 tbsp cornstarch

Method 
1. Combine all the ingredients except the cornstarch in a heavy bottom saucepan. 
2. Stir well and allow it to come to the boil while stirring frequently. 
3. Reduce to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes. 

4. Dissolve the cornstarch in 2 tbsp water and add into the saucepan. Stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens ever so slightly. 
5. Turn off the stove, and allow the sauce to cool before transferring to an airtight jar. I prefer to store the sauce in the refrigerator. 

This sauce is lovely on so many things. Chicken wings, chicken tenders, burgers and even as a dipping sauce. The liquid smoke is not mandatory but it does add a lovely flavor to the sauce.

Apart from saving a penny or two, I like to make my own sauce because then I can always control the flavors. Sometimes I want a tangier sauce and so I increase the vinegar a little. Or the sugar if I want a sweeter sauce. Or I add chopped onion and garlic instead of the powders when I want it for certain sandwiches. I love having that freedom. 

I hope you try this one! 

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6 comments:

Ellen said...

Oh em gee!! Can I just say that burger looks stupendous!! Can I get me some of that? I made this sauce today and it was really great. We used it in our pulled chicken recipe, and we loved the smokiness and heat. We used Tabasco too - 3 tsp. yum! Thank you ever so much! I always love coming back to your site. Great recipes!

Ellen said...

Oh and we also used a little more vinegar because we like extra tanginess. Loved it!

FSBO Owners said...

I love the flavor combination of peach and apricot. I bet the buttermilk rerally adds to the flavor.

Emma Jane said...

Fabulous recipe! Loved it like bonkers... Thanks!

theharriedcook said...

So glad you liked it! <4

theharriedcook said...

Oh that sounds perfect. I like it with extra vinegar too! My husband doesn't like it too tangy though... :) thanks for your comment!

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