Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Spices & Seasonings:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Liquid Adjustments (Optional for Consistency):
- ¼ cup water (for thinner sauce)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thicker sauce)
Instructions
1️⃣ Mix Ingredients
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
2️⃣ Add Seasonings
- Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne (if using).
3️⃣ Simmer & Thicken
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens. If you need a thicker consistency, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir it in.
4️⃣ Taste & Adjust
- Adjust flavors as needed:
- Add more vinegar if it’s too sweet.
- Add more honey or sugar if it’s too tangy.
- Add a pinch of salt for balance.
5️⃣ Cool & Store
- Let the sauce cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for 3 months.
Notes
- For a spicier sauce, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce.
- For a smokier flavor, add ½ tsp liquid smoke.
- For a Carolina-style sauce, reduce the ketchup and add more vinegar.
- For a sweeter sauce, add more honey or brown sugar.
- Great for marinating, basting, dipping, and glazing meats!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauces & Condiments
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 50 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg