Hillbilly BBQ Sauce Recipe
Hillbilly BBQ Sauce Recipe brings a lively mix of sweet, smoky, and vinegary flavors to the table. Brown sugar and molasses create a mellow sweetness, while apple cider vinegar gives the sauce a bright tang that keeps the flavor lively.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Heatproof spatula and whisk
Ingredients
- 1½ cups 360 g tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons 30 ml Kentucky bourbon
- ½ cup 120 ml apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup 50 g packed light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons 60 g molasses
- 2 tablespoons 30 ml Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon 7 g smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon 2.5 ml hickory flavored liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon 3 g garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon 2 g onion powder
- ½ teaspoon 1 g freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon 0.5 g cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon 3 g salt
Instructions
Step 1
- Add the tomato sauce, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt to a medium saucepan. Whisk everything together until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture looks smooth.
Step 2
- Set the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. As soon as small bubbles begin forming around the edges, reduce the heat to low. Keep the heat gentle so the sauce simmers without boiling hard.
Step 3
- Simmer the sauce uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring every few minutes so nothing sticks to the bottom. The sauce should become slightly darker, thicker, and more concentrated, with the sharpness of the vinegar mellowing as it cooks. Remove it sooner if you prefer a thinner BBQ sauce.
Step 4
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool for a few minutes. Taste and adjust with a little extra salt or cayenne pepper if needed. Transfer the finished sauce to a clean, airtight container. Use it as a glaze for grilled chicken, ribs, or pulled pork, or serve it alongside your favorite barbecue dishes.