Smoky Mountain BBQ Sauce | Slightly Tangy

Smoky Mountain BBQ Sauce is a rich, bold, and deeply flavoured Southern-style sauce made with ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, vinegar, and spices.

This Smoky Mountain BBQ Sauce is thick, smoky, slightly tangy, and sweet with a gentle heat that lingers. I made this Smoky Mountain BBQ Sauce because I wanted to recreate the flavours I saw in a classic Southern smokehouse video filmed deep in Tennessee.

The main speciality of this sauce lies in its use of smoked paprika, molasses, and liquid smoke, which create a signature depth.

I will now show up and guide step-by-step how to make this Smoky Mountain BBQ Sauce.

What Is Special About This Sauce?

Smoky Mountain BBQ Sauce stands out because of its unique combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavours.

It features smoked paprika and liquid smoke, which give it a deep, authentic smoky taste that sets it apart from other sauces.

The addition of molasses and brown sugar adds rich sweetness, while vinegar provides a balanced tang. This blend creates a bold, flavorful sauce that perfectly complements grilled or smoked meats, capturing the essence of traditional Southern barbecue.

How To Prepare Smoky Mountain BBQ Sauce?

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Course: Condiment / Sauce

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American (Southern-style)

Yield: About 2 cups

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Stove or cooktop Medium saucepan
• Whisk or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Airtight jar or container for storage

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp honey
• ¼ cup granulated white sugar
• 1 tbsp molasses
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp yellow mustard
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp tamarind paste (or 1 tsp lemon juice as a substitute)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp liquid smoke
• ¼ cup water
• Salt to taste (approximately ¼ tsp)

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients:

In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, granulated sugar, molasses, and water. Stir well to dissolve the sugars.

2. Add Seasonings:

Mix in the chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, tamarind paste (or lemon juice), garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.

3. Simmer:

Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Add Butter & Smoke:

Add the butter and liquid smoke. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth.

5. Cook Down:

Let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should thicken slightly and develop a rich, smoky flavor.

6. Cool & Store:

Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool. Pour into a clean, airtight container or mason jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts Of Smoky Mountain BBQ Sauce

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	60 kcal
Fat	1 g
Carbohydrates	12 g
Protein	1 g
Calcium	15 mg
Sugars	11 g

Expert Tips For Making Smoky Mountain BBQ Sauce

1. Use smoked paprika for a natural smoky flavor instead of relying too much on liquid smoke.

2. Adjust the sweetness and acidity by balancing brown sugar and vinegar to your preference.

3. Simmer the sauce slowly to allow flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken nicely.

4. Incorporate tamarind or lemon juice to add a bright, tangy note.

5. Season little by little, tasting as you go to get the perfect flavor.

6. Store the sauce in a sealed container in the fridge to let the flavors deepen over time.

Best Variations Of Smoky Mountain BBQ Sauce

Great variations of Smoky Mountain BBQ sauce include adding chipolata for a smoky heat or bourbon for a richer flavour.

You can also mix in fruit like pineapple juice or apple butter to add sweetness and depth. For more spice, cayenne pepper or hot sauce work well.

Trying different vinegar such as balsamic or apple cider can change the tangy balance. These options allow you to tailor the sauce to your taste and make it perfect for different dishes.

Great Ways To Use Smoky Mountain BBQ Sauce

1. Grilled Meats: Brush it onto ribs, chicken, or pork while grilling for a smoky, flavourful glaze.

2. Pulled Pork: Mix it into slow-cooked pulled pork for a rich, tangy finish.

3. Burger Topping: Spread it on burgers to add a smoky, sweet kick.

4. Dipping Sauce: Serve it as a dip for fries, chicken tenders, or onion rings.

5. Roasted Vegetables: Toss roasted veggies in the sauce for extra flavor and a smoky twist.

How To Store The Smoky Mountain BBQ Sauce?

Store Smoky Mountain BBQ sauce in an airtight container or jar to keep it fresh. Refrigerate it after cooling completely to preserve its flavor and prevent spoilage.

Properly stored, the sauce will stay good for up to two weeks. Before using, give it a good stir, as some ingredients may settle.

For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in small portions, thawing as needed without losing its delicious taste.

Conclusion

I had a great time making this easy and delicious Smoky Mountain BBQ Sauce, and I hope it inspires you to give it a try. The process is straightforward, and the flavourful results make it worth every step.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy the smoky, sweet taste just like I did. When you make it yourself, please let me know how delicious it turned out.

I’m looking forward to hearing about your success and how this Smoky Mountain BBQ Sauce enhances your meals!

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