Description
Elevate your favorite grilled vegetables, plant-based proteins, and oven-roasted dishes with this rich, homemade BBQ sauce. This recipe balances deep molasses notes with the woody aroma of smoked paprika and the tangy brightness of apple cider vinegar. By avoiding artificial preservatives and liquid smoke, you achieve a restaurant-quality, sticky glaze that perfectly caramelizes during cooking. This versatile, pantry-staple sauce is designed to be prepared in minutes and stores beautifully for quick, flavorful weeknight meals.
Ingredients
1 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons molasses
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
Combine the tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and molasses in a medium saucepan.
Whisk the mixture thoroughly over medium heat until the consistency is smooth.
Stir in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Continue to simmer over low-medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Remove from heat and let it cool completely before using or storing.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The flavor profile enhances significantly if allowed to rest in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before use. Perfectly suited for grilling tofu, roasting cauliflower steaks, or as a dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Meals
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American BBQ
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg