Mississippi Sweet and Sour BBQ Sauce
Mississippi Sweet and Sour BBQ Sauce is a tantalizing blend of flavors that brings Southern charm to your dishes. This sauce harmonizes the rich sweetness of molasses and brown sugar with the tangy zest of vinegar and a hint of spice.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon
- Small bowl
- Jar or bottle for storage
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup dark corn syrup
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for a spicier kick
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce optional, for a bit of heat
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and dark corn syrup. Stir well to blend all the liquids together.
- Add the lemon juice, packed brown sugar, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and salt. Mix until all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
- For a spicier version, add the cayenne pepper and hot sauce. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
- Pour in the water, stirring to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Gradually add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the sauce from heat and allow it to cool slightly. Transfer it to a jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator.
Notes
You can experiment with additional ingredients like crushed pineapple for extra sweetness or smoked paprika for a smoky depth.