The Best Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Name: The Best Barbecue Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups ketchup; 2 cups bottled chili sauce (I use Heinz); 1 generous cup minced yellow onion; 8 large garlic cloves, minced; 1/3 cup dark brown sugar; 1/3 cup unsulphured molasses; 1/4 cup mild-flavored honey; 2 rounded tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1/4 cup soy sauce, preferably tamari; 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar; 2 generous tablespoons Bovril (beef extract), available in well-stocked supermarkets and Asian grocery stores (optional); 1 or 2 fresh habanero chiles (also called Scotch Bonnets) or jalapenos, pierced several times with a fork, or 1 to 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce (optional); Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Servings: persons

2 cups ketchup
2 cups bottled chili sauce (I use Heinz)
1 generous cup minced yellow onion
8 large garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/3 cup unsulphured molasses
1/4 cup mild-flavored honey
2 rounded tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce, preferably tamari
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 generous tablespoons Bovril (beef extract), available in well-stocked supermarkets and Asian grocery stores (optional)
1 or 2 fresh habanero chiles (also called Scotch Bonnets) or jalapenos, pierced several times with a fork, or 1 to 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce (optional)
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

1
Combine all the ingredients except the black pepper in a 2 1/2-quart, heavy-bottomed, nonreactive saucepan.
2
Stir well to combine and place the pan over medium heat with the cover ajar.
3
Bring the mixture to a full simmer, then turn the heat to low.
4
Simmer until the sauce is thickened and the color deepens considerably, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally (see Note).
5
Uncover, stir in a generous amount of black pepper, and remove the saucepan from the heat.
6
Let the sauce cool, uncovered, until just warm.
7
(While cooling, lay a clean kitchen towel over the pan to prevent debris from falling into the sauce.)
8
Pour the sauce through a triple-mesh wire sieve thats positioned over another bowl and, using the flat edge of a wooden spatula, force the sauce through, leaving the onions, garlic, and chiles behind.
9
Discard the solids, pour the sauce into jars, and affix their lids.
10
Store the sauce in the refrigerator.

604

kcal

Calories

Fat

135

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave for a slightly different but equally rich sweetness.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 cups ketchup, 2 cups bottled chili sauce (I use Heinz), 1 generous cup minced yellow onion, 8 large garlic cloves, minced, and more.

Yes, The Best Barbecue Sauce falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

The Best Barbecue Sauce

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions