Imagine a lazy summer afternoon in the heart of Carolina, where the air is thick with the scent of hickory smoke and the promise of mouthwatering delights.
Close your eyes and picture yourself surrounded by friends and family, gathered around a sizzling grill, anticipation building with each passing moment.
Now, let me take you on a journey to the very soul of Southern hospitality with a recipe that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also tugs at the heartstrings – the legendary Sweet Carolina BBQ Sauce.
With its perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of smokiness, this sauce transforms any dish into a celebration of Carolina’s culinary legacy.
So, fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and let Sweet Carolina BBQ Sauce be the secret ingredient that elevates your barbecue experience to legendary heights.
How To Make Sweet Carolina BBQ Sauce?
Preparation Times: 5 minutes
Cooking Times: 20 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Yields: Approximately 2 cups
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spice level)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Step-1. Mix Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
Step-2. Simmer
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves and the flavors meld together.
Step-3. Reduce Heat and Cook
Once the sauce starts simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and develop a rich, glossy texture.
Step-4. Adjust Seasonings
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. If you want it sweeter, add a bit more honey or brown sugar. For more tanginess, increase the amount of vinegar. Adjust the cayenne pepper for spiciness.
Step-5. Cool and Store
Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer it to a clean, airtight container or jar and refrigerate until ready to use.
Nutrition Facts Of Sweet Carolina BBQ Sauce
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80 |
| Sodium | 220mg |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Protein | 0g |
Serving Suggestions
➊ Brush on grilled chicken, ribs, or pork chops during the last few minutes of cooking for a flavorful glaze.
➋ Serve as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, or even grilled vegetables.
Tips and Variations
𖧷 For a spicier sauce, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
𖧷 Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as balsamic or red wine vinegar, for a unique flavor twist.
𖧷 Substitute maple syrup for honey for a slightly different sweetness profile.
Special Note
You can adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. The beauty of homemade barbecue sauce is its versatility and ability to be customized to your liking.
FAQS
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.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, the Sweet Carolina BBQ Sauce is vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by using a vegan-friendly Worcestershire sauce or omitting it altogether.
Conclusion
With its perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and smokiness, this Sweet Carolina BBQ Sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Whether you’re grilling up meat for a backyard barbecue or simply looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, this homemade sauce is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try and taste the difference for yourself!
Sweet Carolina BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste for spice level
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves and the flavors meld together.
- Once the sauce starts simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and develop a rich, glossy texture.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. If you want it sweeter, add a bit more honey or brown sugar. For more tanginess, increase the amount of vinegar. Adjust the cayenne pepper for spiciness.
- Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer it to a clean, airtight container or jar and refrigerate until ready to use.
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.