Crafting your own BBQ sauce can elevate many meat dishes, adding a unique, smoky flavor that store-bought versions often lack. This recipe for a homemade BBQ sauce featuring smoked paprika is simple and uses common pantry ingredients. It’s not only ideal for serving but also enhances the cooking process, providing a rich, deep flavor to anything you grill or roast.
Yields: About 1 cup
Ingredients
- Onions: 2 medium-sized
- Garlic: 1 clove
- Ketchup: 3.4 fluid ounces (100 ml)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- Tabasco sauce: to taste
- Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
- Ground black pepper: to taste
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- Salt: to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Prep the Ingredients: Peel and finely chop the onions and garlic.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until they are golden brown.
Caramelize: Sprinkle the sugar over the onions and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until slightly caramelized.
Add the Flavors: Stir in the smoked paprika, salt, ground black pepper, Tabasco sauce, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer until it thickens, usually taking about 2-4 minutes.
This smoky BBQ sauce is wonderfully versatile and can be used as a marinade, a cooking sauce, or as a condiment to be served alongside your favorite grilled meats. Its rich, deep flavor profile enhances any dish it accompanies, making it a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the satisfaction of homemade goodness with this easy-to-make BBQ sauce!
