Tennessee BBQ Sauce Recipe is a tangy, slightly sweet vinegar based sauce used for basting, mopping, and serving with smoked meats, especially pork and chicken.
This Tennessee BBQ Sauce Recipe tastes deeply delicious, bold, and comforting. I made this Tennessee BBQ Sauce Recipe after watching pit masters prepare it in traditional roadside barbecue kitchens in Tennessee, which inspired me.
I will now show and explain step by step how to prepare this sauce at home using simple techniques learned there.
Is Tennessee BBQ Sauce Recipe Safe For Heart Patients?
Tennessee BBQ Sauce Recipe remains safe for heart patients when used in controlled amounts. The sauce contains sugar, salt, and spices, which can impact blood pressure and blood sugar if over consumed.
Using reduced sodium or low sugar ketchup and Worcestershire sauce improves its suitability for heart health.
Portion control allows enjoyment of the tangy, flavorful sauce without negative effects. Ingredients like garlic and vinegar provide antioxidants that support cardiovascular health.
Pairing the sauce with lean meats and vegetables creates a balanced, heart friendly meal that retains authentic Tennessee flavor.
How To Prepare Tennessee BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Condiment
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Tennessee style
Servings: About 20 servings
Main Kitchen Utensils
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Stove or cooktop
- Airtight jar or bottle for storage
Ingredients
- 120 g apple cider vinegar
- 240 g ketchup
- 240 g water
- 110 g brown sugar or molasses
- 1 g celery seed
- 2 g salt & 1 g freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 g garlic powder & 2 g onion powder
- 10 g mustard
- 1–2 g red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- 120 g Worcestershire sauce
How To Make Tennessee BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Add ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, water, brown sugar (or molasses), mustard, celery seed, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes into a medium saucepan.
Step 2: Heat & Dissolve
Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk continuously until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth.
Step 3: Simmer
Reduce heat to low and let the sauce gently simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to blend and slightly thicken.
Step 4: Cool & Store
Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Nutrition Facts Of Tennessee BBQ Sauce Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g |
| Sugars | 9 g |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 280 mg |
About This Tennessee BBQ Sauce Recipe
This Tennessee BBQ Sauce Recipe is a classic Tennessee style sauce, celebrated for its bold, tangy flavor and smooth texture.
Made with ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar or molasses, and spices like garlic, onion, mustard, celery seed, and red pepper flakes, it offers a perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and slightly spicy notes.
Tennessee BBQ Sauce Recipe thin consistency makes it ideal for mopping, basting, or dipping, enhancing the natural flavor of smoked or grilled meats.
The main speciality of Tennessee BBQ Sauce is its tangy vinegar forward taste combined with subtle sweetness, creating a distinctive, versatile sauce perfect for smoked or slow cooked meats.
How To Serve?
1. Brush the sauce over grilled chicken near the end of cooking for a tangy, smoky finish.
2. Mix it into pulled pork to enhance flavor and keep the meat juicy.
3. Spread it on burgers or sliders to add a bold Southern BBQ taste.
4. Serve it as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, or roasted vegetables.
5. Glaze ribs just before serving to create a rich and sticky Tennessee BBQ coating.
Pro Tips And Tricks
➣ Simmer the sauce slowly on low heat and stir often so the sugars dissolve smoothly and do not scorch, creating a deeper and more balanced flavor.
➣ Let the sauce rest overnight in the refrigerator to allow the vinegar, spice, and sweetness to fully blend and intensify.
➣ Taste near the end of cooking and adjust salt or heat in small amounts for better control of flavor.
➣ Use molasses instead of brown sugar for a darker colour and richer Southern taste.
➣ Add a splash of water during cooking if the sauce thickens too quickly.
Special Health Benefits
Tennessee BBQ Sauce Recipe offers several health benefits despite being a condiment. Apple cider vinegar in the sauce supports digestion and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
Spices like garlic and onion powder provide antioxidants that promote heart health and reduce inflammation.
Brown sugar or molasses adds minerals such as iron and calcium in small amounts. The sauce contains minimal fat and can enhance flavor without excessive calories.
Using natural ingredients and moderate portions contributes to a healthier diet while still enjoying bold, tangy, and savoury flavours.
How To Make Tennessee BBQ Sauce Recipe Tastier?
To make Tennessee BBQ Sauce Recipe tastier, start by balancing the sweetness and acidity carefully. Use high quality apple cider vinegar and fresh brown sugar or molasses for depth.
Toast celery seeds lightly to release their aroma before adding. Incorporate smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for subtle smokiness.
Adjust garlic and onion powder to enhance savoriness, and add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Simmer slowly to allow flavors to meld, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste frequently and adjust seasoning gradually to achieve a rich, complex flavor.
Why This Tennessee BBQ Sauce Recipe Is The Only One You’ll Need?
This Tennessee BBQ Sauce Recipe is the only one you’ll need because it combines tangy vinegar, rich ketchup, brown sugar, and spices to create a balanced, bold flavor.
The sauce enhances smoked ribs, pulled pork, grilled chicken, and more, bringing authentic Southern taste to every meal. It cooks quickly, blends easily, and stores well in the refrigerator, keeping its flavor intact.
Each batch delivers consistent, delicious results, capturing the traditional Tennessee barbecue style in a simple, reliable recipe that elevates any dish it touches.
How Do I Freeze Tennessee BBQ Sauce Recipe?
To freeze Tennessee BBQ Sauce Recipe, first allow the sauce to cool completely after cooking. Pour it into airtight freezer safe containers or heavy duty freezer bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn and label each container with the date. Place the sauce in the freezer and store for up to three months.
To use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently reheat on the stove, stirring occasionally to restore smooth consistency and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Tennessee BBQ Sauce Different From Other BBQ Sauces?
It is tangy and vinegar forward, often thinner than Kansas or Texas style sauces, with a balance of sweetness and mild spice.
Can I Adjust The Sweetness Or Spiciness?
Yes, brown sugar or molasses can be increased for sweetness, and red pepper flakes for heat.
What Meats Pair Best With This Sauce?
Pulled pork, ribs, grilled chicken, and smoked meats are ideal.
Do I Need To Cook It For A Long Time?
Simmering 20–25 minutes is enough to blend flavours and slightly thicken the sauce.
Conclusion
This Tennessee BBQ Sauce Recipe was truly easy to make and a delicious success that I really enjoyed. The simple ingredients came together perfectly, creating a rich, tangy, and flavourful sauce that tastes amazing.
I hope this Tennessee BBQ Sauce Recipe inspires you to try making it at home. Tennessee BBQ Sauce Recipe quick, simple, and full of classic BBQ flavor.
Make it soon, enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to tell me how delicious it turned out after you make it!
If You Love BBQ Sauce Recipe Try These Out!
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Sticky BBQ Sauce Recipe || Easy & Flavourful
Rodney Scott BBQ Sauce Recipe | Tangy & Spicy
Tennessee BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Stove or cooktop
- Airtight jar or bottle (for storage)
Ingredients
- 120 g apple cider vinegar
- 240 g ketchup
- 240 g water
- 110 g brown sugar or molasses
- 1 g celery seed
- 2 g salt & 1 g freshly ground black pepper or to taste
- 2 g garlic powder & 2 g onion powder
- 10 g mustard
- 1 –2 g red pepper flakes adjust to heat preference
- 120 g Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- Add ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, water, brown sugar (or molasses), mustard, celery seed, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes into a medium saucepan.
Step 2: Heat & Dissolve
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk continuously until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth.
Step 3: Simmer
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce gently simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to blend and slightly thicken.
Step 4: Cool & Store
- Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45 kcal | Carbohydrates: 11 g | Sugars: 9 g | Protein: 0.5 g | Fat: 0 g | Sodium: 280 mgHi, I’m Samia! I’ve spent the past five years creating recipes that are both delicious and unique. Cooking is my passion, and I love exploring different cuisines, blending flavors, and turning everyday meals into something memorable. From quick weeknight dinners to festive feasts, I aim to make every dish special. I’d love for you to join me on this culinary journey together we’ll explore simple, easy-to-follow recipes and tips that make cooking fun, inspiring, and full of joy!