It is so easy to run to the store and buy a jar of barbecue sauce, so why would you want to make your own? I asked myself this question a few days back and my answer was that I could not name a store bought barbecue sauce that I really loved. I have a few in my refrigerator right now, but I usually end up trying a different kind each time, because I don’t have a favorite.
How does one remedy this problem? By making your own of course! So this week, I went on a mission to create my new favorite barbecue sauce and I am happy to say that I did just that.
This recipe will create a thick barbecue sauce that is a little sweet and a little spicy. I can never decide which flavor I appreciate more in my barbecue sauce and now that I have made a sauce that is what I would describe as equal parts sweet and spicy, I can now officially say that I am a 50/50 girl. I like them equally and this sauce nails both elements beautifully.
Let’s get it started…
The first step is to cook 1 small diced yellow onion in 1 tablespoon of butter until it has softened and become translucent. This should take around 10 minutes. Once the onions are cooked, add 2 large crushed garlic cloves and cook for about 60 seconds. Stir constantly so the garlic does not burn and once it becomes fragrant, remove the pan from the heat.
Now add 1 1/2 cups of ketchup, 1/8 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/8 cup of Worcestershire, 1/3 cup of molasses, 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1 teaspoon of onion salt, 1 teaspoon of chipotle seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne.
Whisk everything well and then return the pan to medium heat. Bring the sauce up to a simmer and let it simmer and thicken for about 15 minutes. I like to cover the pan with either a lid or a mesh splatter guard to avoid barbecue spotted walls, but this is optional.
Once the sauce is thick and lovely, let it come to room temperature and transfer it into an airtight container, such as a canning jar or a tupperware bottle.
This sauce is truly wonderful. It is thick with soft bits of onion throughout. The flavor is bold with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. It is great brushed over crispy chicken, on wings, ribs or even added to ranch dressing to create a heavenly barbecue ranch combination that adds something fabulous to your salads. However you end up using this sweet and spicy barbecue sauce, I know you will love it and will officially have a new favorite barbecue sauce.
Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 1/2 cups ketsup
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/8 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/8 cup worchestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion salt
- 1 teaspoon chipotle seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter into a medium saucepan and place it over medium heat
- Once the butter has melted, add the diced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are soft
- Add the crushed garlic and stir constantly over medium heat for 60 seconds
- Remove the pan from the heat temporarily and add the remaining ingredients
- Whisk to combine and then return the pan to medium heat and bring the sauce to a simmer
- Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally and covering if necessary
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
