Ken’s BBQ Sauce is a bold, tangy blend that brings sweet heat to every bite. Made from simple pantry staples, its rich flavor surprised everyone the first time I made it.
As it simmered on the stove, the aroma drew my family into the kitchen, curious and hungry. We drizzled it over grilled chicken, and the room went quiet mouths full, eyes wide.
My brother licked his fingers. My mother asked for the recipe. Even my picky uncle went back for seconds. It wasn’t just a sauce; it became the highlight of our meal.
That moment marked the beginning of a new family favorite, one I now make often, always greeted by smiles and clean plates.
What Does Ken’s BBQ Sauce Taste Like?
Ken’s BBQ Sauce has a bold, rich taste that hits a perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and spicy. The corn syrup gives it a smooth sweetness, while the ketchup and mustard add a sharp, zesty edge.
The Worcestershire sauce brings a deep, savory flavor that lingers, and the ground ginger adds a warm, slightly earthy kick.
Chili powder and Tabasco introduce just enough heat to keep each bite interesting, without overwhelming the palate. It’s thick, sticky, and clings beautifully to grilled meats, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
The layers of taste unfold gradually starting sweet, then tangy, and finishing with a gentle burn. It’s the kind of sauce that leaves you wanting just one more bite.
How To Prepare Ken’s BBQ Sauce?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American / Southern-style
Calories: Approx 45 calories per tablespoon
Yield: About 2 cups
Equipment Needed
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Whisk (optional)
- Airtight jar or bottle (for storage)
Ingredients
- ¾ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup tomato ketchup
- ¼ cup yellow prepared mustard
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ½ to 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan, combine the corn syrup, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
2. Stir in the ground ginger, chili powder, and Tabasco sauce. Start with ½ teaspoon of Tabasco if you prefer it mild, and adjust to taste.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously until it starts to bubble gently.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will slightly thicken and the flavors will meld.
5. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Transfer to an airtight jar or bottle and refrigerate. The flavor improves after a few hours or overnight.
How To Make Ken’s BBQ Sauce Tastier?
To make Ken’s BBQ Sauce even tastier, there are a few simple tweaks you can try. Adding brown sugar instead of some corn syrup can deepen the sweetness and give the sauce a caramelized richness.
A dash of apple cider vinegar will bring a tangy balance to the flavors, cutting through the sweetness for a more complex taste. To enhance the savory notes, incorporating garlic or onion powder works wonders.
Smoked paprika can introduce a subtle smokiness, perfect for grilled meats. If you want a smoother, more natural sweetness, swap corn syrup for honey or molasses.
Lastly, adjusting the heat with extra Tabasco or cayenne pepper can give the sauce just the right amount of kick. Allowing the sauce to sit for a few hours or overnight helps the flavors fully develop, making it even more delicious.
My Tips For Success
➢ Adjust the amount of Tabasco sauce based on your spice preference. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to find the right level of heat for your palate.
➢ When cooking the sauce, keep the heat low and let it simmer gently. This allows the flavors to blend together smoothly without burning or overcooking the ingredients.
➢ After making the sauce, allow it to cool and sit for a few hours, or even overnight. This resting time helps the flavors develop and meld, creating a richer taste.
➢ Feel free to experiment with adding garlic, onion powder, or a splash of apple cider vinegar to enhance the flavor profile. Small tweaks can make a big difference.
➢ Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to two weeks, and the flavor will continue to improve as it sits.
Storage & Make Ahead
Storage
Once you’ve made Ken’s BBQ Sauce, store it in an airtight container like a glass jar or squeeze bottle. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even tastier after a day or two.
Make Ahead
Ken’s BBQ Sauce can easily be made ahead of time. In fact, preparing it a day or two in advance enhances its flavor. Simply store it in the fridge in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it.
If you need to store it longer, you can freeze the sauce for up to three months. Just remember to leave space in the container for expansion when freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Ken’s BBQ Sauce last in the fridge?
Ken’s BBQ Sauce can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. The flavor may improve over time.
Can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less Tabasco sauce or chili powder according to your taste.
Can I use Ken’s BBQ Sauce on other dishes besides meat?
Absolutely! It works great on vegetables, fries, sandwiches, or even as a dipping sauce.
Can I make a larger batch and freeze it?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce for up to three months. Just make sure to leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion.
Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with ingredients like brown sugar instead of corn syrup or apple cider vinegar for a different tangy kick. Feel free to adjust to your preferences!
Conclusion
Ken’s BBQ Sauce was a simple recipe that turned out to be a big success in my kitchen. The flavors blended beautifully, creating a sauce that was sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of spice.
It added so much to every dish we tried, and my family couldn’t get enough of it. I’m thrilled with how easy it was to make, and I hope you’ll try it soon.
If you’re looking for a flavorful homemade BBQ sauce, this one will not disappoint. It’s definitely worth the effort!
Ken’s BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small saucepan, combine the corn syrup, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
- Stir in the ground ginger, chili powder, and Tabasco sauce. Start with ½ teaspoon of Tabasco if you prefer it mild, and adjust to taste.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously until it starts to bubble gently.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will slightly thicken and the flavors will meld.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool. Transfer to an airtight jar or bottle and refrigerate. The flavor improves after a few hours or overnight.
“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!”