Bbq Sauce Recipe

[rockyracoon]

Has anyone got a tried and tested recipe for BBQ sauce, nice and tangy and not too sweet. A lot of the ones I've tried are far too sweet so I keep resorting to jars and bottles.

Thanks for any replies.

[EcclesCake]

I'd love to help but I don't think I ever make BBQ sauce the same way twice.

I'm always faffing around with sweated onion and garlic and adding tinned toms, Muscovado sugar and vinegar before reducing and seasoning.

Or I'll do a quickie with ketchup, sugar vinegar and seasonings.

It really is a new experience every time. A slug of Bourbon has proved a regular success as it does bring a little something to the plate!

It is such a personal thing I think you'd do we'll to search for recipes that have flavours you like, make it according to the recipe and taste and adjust accordingly.....whilst bearing in mind some of the ingredients you found in other recipes.

There is no right or wrong just tinker and find the combination of flavours that you like.........and try to remember what the hell they were for next time ;-)

[mightymouse]

Have used this recipe for years:
For 4 people:

2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp tomato puree
1 small onion, grated
3 tbsp red wine
1 garlic clove, crushed
2 tsp paprika
Half tsp cayenne pepper (more/less according to taste)
1 tsp salt
Half tsp black pepper
1 tsp brown sugar

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Can be eaten uncooked or can be spread on chicken or whatever you are using for last 10 minutes in oven or grill.

[hammerman]

very simple....

2 parts tomato ketchup
1 parts soy sauce
1 part golden syrup
1 part brown sugar

Obviously adjust the sweetness to suit.

You can add garlic, chilli, lime or lemon juice...whatever you want.

I use this all the time for marinating

[rockyracoon]

Thanks for all your answers, I'll give the two recipes a go and see what they're like. Hammerman, is your not very sweet?

[Clanad]

Traditionally, here in the U.S. (home of the original BBQ sauce recipes) there are only two basic recipes… one vinegar based and the other tomato based. Both originate in differing regions of the U.S. (all Southern). All other recipes are just modifications to each.

Here's a simple vinegar based recipe:

This is a traditional vinegar based Carolina style barbecue sauce. As with any traditional vinegar sauce, this is thin, with a watery consistency so the meat (especially pork) absorbs the sauce more efficiently.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Makes about 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients:

1/2 pound margarine or butter
1/2 cup vinegar (Traditionally, apple cider vinegar)
juice of 1 lemon
1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon honey (more to suit taste)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Preparation:
Melt margarine or butter in a sauce pan. Add lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, honey, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in vinegar and allow to cool.

So, a good Kansas City tomato based recipe would be this:

Prep time:5 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Yield: Makes about 2 1/2 cups.
This makes enough sauce for 10-20 chicken legs or thighs, 4 racks of ribs or a regular pork shoulder.

INGREDIENTS
2 cups tomato sauce or ketchup
1/2 cup apple juice
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup brown sugar
5 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp paprika
2 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp chipotle powder (optional)
4 finely chopped garlic cloves
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
Salt to taste
Cayenne to taste
METHOD
1. Heat the butter in a pot over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Add the onion and sauté until it begins to brown. Add the garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes.

2. Pour in the remaining ingredients and stir well to combine. Simmer slowly for at least 30 minutes, and up to 2 hours. Adjust the heat and salt levels with the cayenne and salt right before you plan to use this sauce, which is great on ribs, chicken and pork shoulder.

Good luck!

[rockyracoon]

Thanks Clanad, they look quite interesting :)