In the realm of culinary alchemy, where flavors dance and ingredients harmonize, there exists a concoction that tantalizes the taste buds like no other – the Bacon Bourbon BBQ Sauce.
This elixir of smoky bacon, rich bourbon, and tangy barbecue essence is not merely a sauce but a symphony of savory sensations, a testament to the creative fusion of flavors that elevate the humble barbecue to sublime heights.
Join me on a gustatory journey where I uncover the secrets behind this unparalleled sauce, a recipe that embodies the marriage of tradition and innovation, promising to leave an indelible mark on every palate it graces.
How To Make Bacon Bourbon BBQ Sauce?
Preparation Times: 10 minutes
Cooking Times: 20 minutes
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Yields: Approximately 2 cups
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Blender or immersion blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 6 strips of thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step-1. Crispy Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it’s crispy and the fat is rendered. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
Step-2. Aromatics
In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step-3. Flavor Fusion
Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet along with the ketchup, bourbon whiskey, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper.
Step-4. Simmer and Thicken
Stir well to combine all the ingredients, scraping the bottom of the skillet to incorporate any browned bits. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Step-5. Seasoning
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step-6. Blend or Leave Chunky
Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before transferring it to a blender or using an immersion blender to blend until smooth. Alternatively, you can leave it chunky if you prefer.
Nutrition Facts Of Bacon Bourbon BBQ Sauce
Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80 |
| Total Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 5mg |
| Sodium | 270mg |
| Sugars | 10g |
| Protein | 1g |
Serving Suggestions
𖤐 Brush onto grilled chicken, ribs, or pork chops during the last few minutes of cooking.
𖤐 Use as a dipping sauce for crispy chicken tenders or onion rings.
𖤐 Drizzle over baked potatoes or sweet potato fries for a flavorful kick.
Tips and Variations
☞ For a spicier sauce, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
☞ Substitute maple syrup for brown sugar for a hint of sweetness with a maple twist.
☞ Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Special Note
We are all love tasting the tiny bits of bacon in our barbecue sauce but if you prefer a smooth texture, strain the sauce through a mesh sieve before serving, discarding the solids.
FAQS
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?
Unfortunately, no. The sauce contains bacon, which is a meat product.
Can I substitute the bourbon with another ingredient?
While bourbon adds a unique flavor to the sauce, you can substitute it with apple juice or beef broth if desired.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, you can freeze this sauce in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this delectable Bacon Bourbon BBQ Sauce recipe. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Whether you’re grilling up a storm or simply craving a flavor-packed dipping sauce, this homemade creation is sure to impress.
Bacon Bourbon BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Blender or immersion blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 6 strips of thick-cut bacon diced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it’s crispy and the fat is rendered. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet along with the ketchup, bourbon whiskey, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients, scraping the bottom of the skillet to incorporate any browned bits. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before transferring it to a blender or using an immersion blender to blend until smooth. Alternatively, you can leave it chunky if you prefer.
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.