She Strengthens

Savor the Flavor: A Customizable Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Are you tired of settling for store-bought barbecue sauce? With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a rich, tangy, and smoky sauce that’s tailored to your taste preferences.

The Magic Ingredients

Our recipe combines the sweetness of ketchup and brown sugar with the savory flavors of bacon, vinegar, and bourbon. Add in some aromatic spices, and you’ve got a sauce that’s perfect for slathering on ribs, chicken, or whatever your heart desires.

Get Creative with Your Ingredients

Don’t be afraid to experiment with our recipe! Want a stronger bourbon flavor? Add an extra tablespoon or two. Prefer a sweeter sauce? Swap out the brown sugar for honey or maple syrup. The possibilities are endless!

The Recipe

Yield: 2 cups
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup small-dice bacon (about 3 ounces)
• 1/2 cup finely diced red onion (about 1/2 small onion)
• 2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons bourbon
• 2 tablespoons dark or robust molasses (not blackstrap)
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

Place the bacon in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 2: Soften the Onion

Reduce the heat to medium low and add the onion to the pan. Cook in the bacon fat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds.

Step 3: Mix and Simmer

Whisk in the remaining ingredients and season with a pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir in the reserved bacon and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 25 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Storage and Enjoyment

Store your delicious homemade barbecue sauce in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Slather it on your favorite dishes and enjoy the flavor!