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, savory, and slightly spicy notes.
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.