Cattleman's BBQ Sauce Recipe
The sauce offers mild heat from cayenne pepper, adjustable to personal taste. Apple cider vinegar is preferred, but white vinegar can substitute. It pairs excellently with ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and grilled beef. Preparing the sauce a day in advance enhances its flavour, allowing the ingredients to meld for a richer, more balanced taste when served.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Airtight container or mason jar (for storing)
Ingredients
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar packed
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- A pinch of cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Put Everything In A Pot
- Grab a medium sized saucepan and set it over medium heat. Add in the ketchup, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, molasses, yellow mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, water, corn syrup, liquid smoke, and all the spices smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
Mix It Up
- Use a whisk and stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and the ingredients are fully blended.
Let It Cook
- Bring the mixture just to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer without a lid for about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir it every so often so it doesn’t stick or burn on the bottom.
Taste Test And Adjust
- Once it’s done simmering, give it a taste. Add more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed. Want it spicier? Toss in a little more cayenne.
Cool And Save
- Let the sauce cool down to room temperature. Pour it into a jar or any airtight container. Keep it in the fridge it’ll stay good for about two weeks.
Notes
Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning while the sauce simmers. Every BBQ and personal palate is different, so feel free to tweak the vinegar or sweetness to match your preference.
This sauce keeps well refrigerated but always smell and check for freshness before using.