Hickory BBQ Sauce
Hickory BBQ Sauce is a rich and smoky condiment popular in American cuisine, particularly in barbecue. It is known for its robust flavor, derived from the essence of hickory wood smoke, which complements a variety of meats such as pork, chicken, and beef. This sauce combines a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky elements, often made with ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, molasses, mustard, and spices. It's a staple at cookouts and is used both as a marinade and a finishing sauce, enhancing the overall taste of grilled and smoked dishes.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Stirring spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Jar or airtight container for storage
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup hickory liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, liquid smoke, cayenne pepper, hickory liquid smoke, salt, and vegetable oil.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer.
- 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 according to your preference. Add more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper if desired.
- Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can use maple syrup or honey as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.