Description
This homemade Barbecue Sauce is smoky, tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy, made with caramelized onions, garlic, ancho chili powder, smoked paprika, honey, and molasses. With a thick, smooth texture, it’s perfect for grilling, dipping, or slathering over ribs, chicken, or burgers—far more flavorful than store-bought versions.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 medium yellow onion, coarsely chopped
3 large garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
1 cup ketchup
1/3 cup water
1 heaping tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon ground chipotle powder
1 1/2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
3 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon molasses
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add oil, then onions. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened, without browning.
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Stir in ketchup and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer 5 minutes.
- Add Dijon, vinegar, Worcestershire, chipotle, ancho chili powder, paprika, brown sugar, honey, and molasses. Stir well.
- Simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Puree with a food processor or immersion blender until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cool to room temperature.
- Use immediately or store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
- For extra smokiness, add a splash of bourbon or whiskey.
- Swap honey for maple syrup for a unique sweetness.
- Increase chipotle or add cayenne for more heat.
- Apple cider vinegar can replace red wine vinegar for tang.
- Freeze in airtight containers up to 3 months for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
