Red BBQ Sauce
Red BBQ Sauce is a flavorful blend of tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices, creating a perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and smokiness. Ideal for grilling, it enhances meats like ribs, chicken, and pulled pork. Its versatility extends to being a dipping sauce, marinade, or glaze for a variety of dishes. Simple to make, it transforms any meal into a memorable experience with its bold, rich flavor.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or stirring spoon
- Airtight container or jar (for storage)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup bourbon
- ⅔ cup water
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, add all the ingredients ketchup, both vinegars, brown sugar, bourbon, water, lemon juice, molasses, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and all the spices.
- Use a whisk to combine everything until smooth and well blended.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will thicken the sauce and blend the flavors.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Notes
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of brown sugar. For a tangier flavor, add more apple cider vinegar. The cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat.
If you like it spicier, feel free to add more or include a chopped chili pepper. Smoked paprika imparts a deep smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika can be used, but the smoky essence will be less pronounced.