Description
A rich and tangy homemade barbecue sauce bursting with smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Made from scratch using tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and a blend of spices, this versatile sauce is perfect for grilling, dipping, or marinating your favorite meats and vegetables.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add 4 cups of tomato sauce, 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of honey, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Allow it to simmer for 20-25 minutes until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency, developing a deep and balanced flavor.
- Sterilize Jars: While the sauce simmers, sterilize your canning jars by placing them in boiling water for 10 minutes. This step eliminates bacteria, ensuring your sauce stays fresh and safe during storage.
- Fill Jars: Once the sauce has thickened, carefully pour the hot barbecue sauce into the sterilized jars. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace from the top of each jar to allow for expansion during processing.
- Seal Jars: Wipe the rims of each jar clean with a damp cloth to remove any sauce residue. Place the lids onto the jars securely. Then, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes to create a vacuum seal that preserves the sauce.
- Cool and Store: Remove the jars from the boiling water bath and let them cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place such as a pantry. Refrigerate after opening.
Notes
- The sauce thickens more as it cools; adjust simmering time based on your desired thickness.
- For a spicier sauce, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce during the simmering step.
- Use sterilized jars and proper water bath canning techniques to ensure long shelf life.
- This barbecue sauce can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks once opened.
- Great as a marinade, dipping sauce, or condiment for grilled meats, vegetables, and sandwiches.
