Ingredients for Authentic American Barbecue Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Prepare the Base
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 2: Enhance the Flavor
Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if desired), salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. Taste it and adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.
Step 3: Heat and Simmer the Sauce
Transfer the sauce to a saucepan and heat it over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more delicious sauce.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the barbecue sauce cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate it until ready to use.
Enjoy Your Authentic American Barbecue Sauce
Your homemade barbecue sauce is now ready to be enjoyed! It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, hamburgers, chicken wings, and so much more. The possibilities are endless. Serve it on the side as a dipping sauce or brush it onto your favorite dishes while grilling for an extra burst of flavor.
Making your own authentic American barbecue sauce is not only a fun and rewarding experience but also allows you to customize the flavors according to your taste. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!