Oklahoma BBQ Sauce

Samia

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

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

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

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.
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.
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.
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)