Bobby Flay BBQ Sauce Recipe
Bobby Flay BBQ Sauce Recipe is a bold, smoky, and slightly sweet sauce made from ketchup, chipotle, ancho chili powder, and sweeteners like honey and molasses. Rich in flavor, it enhances grilled meats and vegetables. Easy to make, it stores well and delivers a perfect balance of heat, tang, and sweetness in every bite.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Blender or immersion blender (optional for smooth sauce)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and chopping board
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil mild-flavored like canola or sunflower
- 1 small sweet onion roughly chopped
- 3 garlic cloves roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup cold water
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
- 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon sweet smoked paprika Spanish pimenton
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard heaping
- 1 tablespoon honey & 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce from a can, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Cook The Aromatics
- Heat a bit of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and garlic, and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until they’re soft and smell amazing but don’t let them brown.
Step 2: Start The Sauce
- Stir in the ketchup and water until everything’s well mixed. Add the Dijon mustard, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, give it another good stir, and let it come to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Bring The Heat
- Add the chopped chipotle pepper, ancho chili powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well so the spices are evenly mixed into the sauce.
Step 4: Add The Sweetness
- Now add the brown sugar, honey, and molasses. Keep stirring until everything’s fully dissolved and the sauce starts to thicken up.
Step 5: Let It Simmer
- Turn the heat down low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally, and season with a bit of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Blend (If You Want) And Store
- If you prefer a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender in the pot, or let it cool a bit and blend it in a regular blender. Whether smooth or chunky, let it cool completely, then pour into a jar and store in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to a week.