Oklahoma BBQ Sauce: Spicy & Sweet

Oklahoma BBQ Sauce is a rich blend of bold spices, tangy vinegar, and sweet tomato flavors that creates an unforgettable taste experience.

Preparing Oklahoma BBQ Sauce filled me with excitement and anticipation as the kitchen soon filled with warm, inviting aromas. The process felt rewarding and calming, watching the sauce slowly thicken and develop its deep flavor.

Tasting it for the first time brought a sense of accomplishment and joy, knowing this sauce would elevate meals and bring smiles to everyone who tries it. It quickly became a favorite in my kitchen.

What Is Special About Oklahoma BBQ Sauce?

Oklahoma BBQ sauce stands out for its rich blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, deeply rooted in a tradition that merges Southern barbecue styles.

It uses a tomato base, enhanced by a bold mix of spices such as chili powder, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and cloves, giving it a warm, smoky depth.

The addition of both ketchup and tomato juice creates a layered tomato flavor that’s smoother and less acidic than many other regional sauces.

A touch of butter and minced onion adds richness and aroma, while white wine vinegar provides brightness without overpowering the sauce.

It’s commonly used in slow cooked meats and brings a strong, full bodied character that complements smoked or grilled dishes exceptionally well.

How To Prepare Oklahoma BBQ Sauce?

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Course: Sauce / Condiment

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American (Southern / BBQ)

Yield: Makes approximately 6 cups of sauce

Equipment Needed

• Medium or large saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Whisk
• Blender or immersion blender (optional, for smoother texture)

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups ketchup
• 2 ½ cups tomato juice
• 1 cup white wine vinegar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 medium onion, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon celery seed
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

How To Make Oklahoma BBQ Sauce?

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely minced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the ketchup, tomato juice, and white wine vinegar. Mix well.

2. Add the granulated sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, celery seed, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, chili powder, ground cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. Stir until everything is well combined.

3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors develop and the sauce to thicken. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce during the final 5 minutes of cooking.

4. If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the sauce to a blender and puree until smooth. Let the sauce cool slightly before blending. Allow the BBQ sauce to cool completely.

Special Notes

If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a chopped jalapeno pepper during the simmering process.

For a sweeter sauce, you can increase the amount of granulated sugar or substitute with brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.

If the sauce becomes too thick after cooling, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of water or additional vinegar until the desired consistency is reached.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Expert Tips

➤ Use fresh, finely minced onions to deepen the sauce’s flavor and add natural sweetness.

➤ Simmer the sauce slowly to allow the spices and ingredients to fully blend and thicken.

➤ Adjust the cayenne pepper carefully to balance heat according to taste preferences.

➤ Incorporate Worcestershire sauce towards the end of cooking for an extra layer of savory complexity.

➤ Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator to let flavors mature and improve over time.

How To Make Oklahoma BBQ Sauce Tastier?

Enhance Oklahoma BBQ Sauce by using fresh spices to boost its aroma and flavor. Incorporate a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tanginess.

Adding a touch of smoked paprika can introduce a subtle smoky depth. Stir in a small amount of molasses or honey to enrich the sweetness naturally.

Letting the sauce simmer longer allows flavors to meld and intensify. Finally, finish with a dash of hot sauce or chipotle powder to give a gentle smoky heat that lingers pleasantly on the palate.

Serving Suggestions

Oklahoma BBQ Sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled ribs, chicken, and pulled pork. It enhances the flavor of smoked brisket and adds a delicious kick to roasted vegetables.

Using it as a dipping sauce for fries or onion rings brings a tangy, spicy twist. Drizzling the sauce over baked beans or mixing it into coleslaw provides a flavorful boost.

Spreading it on sandwiches or burgers creates a rich, savory layer. This sauce also works well as a glaze for grilled seafood, offering a unique and tasty finish.

How To Store The Finished Oklahoma BBQ Sauce?

Allow the Oklahoma BBQ Sauce to cool completely before transferring it to a clean, airtight container. Store the sauce in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and maintain its flavor.

Properly sealed, it can last up to two weeks. For longer storage, freezing in small portions works well, allowing easy thawing when needed.

Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination and preserve quality. Proper storage ensures the sauce retains its rich taste and texture, ready to enhance meals whenever desired.

Conclusion

Oklahoma BBQ Sauce was an easy success for me, bringing bold, flavorful results every time. The rich combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy elements created a delicious sauce that elevated my meals effortlessly.

Family and friends enjoyed the deep, satisfying taste, and it quickly became a favorite at our table. This recipe is straightforward and rewarding, delivering authentic Southern flavors without any fuss.

I hope you try it soon and experience the same joy and delicious results. It’s a simple way to add something special to your cooking today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Samia

Oklahoma BBQ Sauce

Oklahoma BBQ sauce is a rich, flavorful blend known for balancing sweet, tangy, and smoky elements. Typically tomato based, it includes ingredients like molasses, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices. It’s thicker than Carolina sauces but not as sweet as Kansas City styles. Ideal for beef and pork, this sauce reflects Oklahoma’s blend of Southern and Midwestern BBQ traditions, offering a bold yet smooth taste.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 cups

Course: Sauce / Condiment

Cuisine: American (Southern / BBQ)

Calories: 60

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ cups ketchup
• 2 ½ cups tomato juice
• 1 cup white wine vinegar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 medium onion finely minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon celery seed
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Equipment

• Medium or large saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Whisk
• Blender or immersion blender (optional, for smoother texture)

Method

 

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely minced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the ketchup, tomato juice, and white wine vinegar. Mix well.
2. Add the granulated sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, celery seed, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, chili powder, ground cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors develop and the sauce to thicken. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce during the final 5 minutes of cooking.
4. If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the sauce to a blender and puree until smooth. Let the sauce cool slightly before blending. Allow the BBQ sauce to cool completely.

Notes

If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a chopped jalapeno pepper during the simmering process.

For a sweeter sauce, you can increase the amount of granulated sugar or substitute with brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.

If the sauce becomes too thick after cooling, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of water or additional vinegar until the desired consistency is reached.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: Approximately 60 kcal | Fat: 0g | Sodium: 360mg | Sugars: 13g | Protein: 0g | Carbohydrates: 15g

Samia

“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!”