Franklin BBQ Sauce is a bold, tangy, slightly sweet Texas-style barbecue sauce made famous by Franklin Barbecue in Austin.
This Franklin BBQ Sauce bursts with deep, smoky flavor, balanced by tangy apple cider vinegar and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar.
I made this Franklin BBQ Sauce after watching how it was prepared at Franklin Barbecue and felt inspired to recreate it at home.
The main speciality lies in its smooth blend of spice, sweetness, and acidity that complements smoked meats beautifully.
I will now show step by step how to make this legendary barbecue sauce.
What Makes This Franklin BBQ Sauce Special?
Franklin BBQ Sauce stands out because of its perfect balance of tangy apple cider vinegar, sweet brown sugar, and smoky paprika.
Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce add layers of rich, complex flavor. The Franklin BBQ Sauce has a smooth texture that clings well to meats, enhancing their natural taste without overpowering it.
This combination of ingredients and flavors gives Franklin BBQ Sauce its distinctive character, making it a favorite for those who appreciate authentic Texas-style barbecue.
How To Prepare Franklin BBQ Sauce?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American (Texas BBQ)
Yield: About 3 cups of sauce
Kitchen Utensils
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and chopping board
Ingredients
- 2 cups ketchup (preferably homemade or organic)
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 large yellow or white onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup light or dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or sea salt)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil)
- 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
How To Make Franklin BBQ Sauce
1. Cook The Aromatics:
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil’s hot, toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until they’re soft and smelling great.
2. Add The Sweet And Tangy Base:
Stir in the brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. Let it bubble gently for a couple of minutes so the sugar fully dissolves.
3. Mix In The Rest:
Now add the ketchup, Dijon mustard, paprika, chilli powder, Worcestershire sauce, plus a bit of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir so it’s all mixed together.
4. Let It Simmer:
Turn the heat down low and let the sauce simmer without a lid for about 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally, and let it cook down until it thickens up to your liking.
5. Blend If You Want It Smooth:
If you prefer a silky texture, use a stick blender right in the pot or carefully pour it into a regular blender. Just be careful with the hot liquid.
6. Cool It And Store:
Once it’s cooled a bit, pour the sauce into a glass jar or squeeze bottle. Keep it in the fridge it’ll stay good for around two weeks.
Notes
I avoid letting sauce boil vigorously simmer gently to preserve flavour. Blending hot sauce requires caution: pulse slowly first to avoid splatter.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 40 kcal |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
Ways To Use It Franklin BBQ Sauce
1. Brush onto ribs or brisket during grilling to enhance flavor.
2. Serve as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders or fries.
3. Mix into pulled pork for added moisture and taste.
4. Drizzle over grilled vegetables for a smoky touch.
5. Use as a marinade for pork chops or chicken before cooking.
Pro Tips And Tricks Franklin BBQ Sauce
➢ Use high-quality apple cider vinegar for a bright, tangy flavor.
➢ Cook the sauce over low heat to prevent burning and ensure even thickening.
➢ Stir frequently to avoid sticking and to blend flavors thoroughly.
➢ Add smoked paprika to bring authentic smoky depth.
➢ Taste and adjust seasoning before serving to balance sweetness and acidity perfectly.
How To Make Franklin BBQ Sauce Tastier?
➣ Increase the amount of smoked paprika for a stronger smoky flavor.
➣ Add a bit of honey to deepen the sweetness naturally.
➣ Use dark brown sugar instead of light to add richness.
➣ Stir in a splash of fresh lemon or lime juice for brightness.
➣ Simmer the sauce longer to thicken and intensify the taste.
How To Store Leftovers Franklin BBQ Sauce?
Keep leftover Franklin BBQ Sauce in a sealed container to preserve its flavor and freshness. Place it in the refrigerator right after cooking or use.
Glass containers are ideal because they don’t absorb odors and help maintain taste. Mark the date on the container to monitor how long it has been stored.
Stir the Franklin BBQ Sauce well before each use since separation may occur. When stored correctly, the Franklin BBQ Sauce will stay good for about two weeks while maintaining its delicious taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Ingredients Give Franklin BBQ Sauce Its Signature Tangy Flavor?
The apple cider vinegar and brown sugar create the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness.
Can Franklin BBQ Sauce Be Made Ahead Of Time?
Yes, making it a day in advance allows the flavours to deepen and blend beautifully.
Can This Sauce Be Used For Grilling As Well As Dipping?
Absolutely, it works great as a glaze during cooking and as a dipping sauce afterwards.
What Meats Pair Best With Franklin BBQ Sauce?
Brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and grilled chicken are excellent choices for this sauce.
I truly enjoyed making this easy and delicious Franklin BBQ Sauce, and it turned out to be a flavorful success.
The process was simple, and the taste was bold, rich, and satisfying. I hope you feel inspired to try this Franklin BBQ Sauce yourself it’s easy to make and brings a real taste of Texas to your kitchen.
Now it’s your turn to make it soon and let me know how delicious it was after you try it!
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Franklin BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil’s hot, toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until they’re soft and smelling great.
- Stir in the brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. Let it bubble gently for a couple of minutes so the sugar fully dissolves.
- Now add the ketchup, Dijon mustard, paprika, chilli powder, Worcestershire sauce, plus a bit of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir so it’s all mixed together.
- Turn the heat down low and let the sauce simmer without a lid for about 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally, and let it cook down until it thickens up to your liking.
- If you prefer a silky texture, use a stick blender right in the pot or carefully pour it into a regular blender. Just be careful with the hot liquid.
- Once it’s cooled a bit, pour the sauce into a glass jar or squeeze bottle. Keep it in the fridge it’ll stay good for around two weeks.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”