Non Smokin Bar-B-Que Sauce 🍖
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 cups
Description:
If you’re not a fan of overly smoky or saccharine barbecue sauces, this recipe is for you! Inspired by a vintage copy of “Joy of Cooking,” this sauce combines the savory richness of bacon drippings with a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. It’s the perfect accompaniment to meats or poultry, adding depth without overpowering their natural taste. Make a double batch and freeze in convenient 2-cup portions for future use.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 large onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons bacon drippings
- 1 cup water
- 4 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons bottled chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground mustard
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
Instructions:
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In a 1 1/2- to 2-quart saucepan, sauté the diced onions in the bacon drippings until they are beautifully browned, releasing their sweet aroma into the kitchen.
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Once the onions have caramelized to perfection, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients to the saucepan. Pour in the water, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, bottled chili sauce, and all the flavorful spices: salt, paprika, black pepper, ground mustard, and chili powder.
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Give everything a good stir to ensure that the flavors meld together beautifully. As the sauce heats up, you’ll start to notice the enticing aroma filling the air, promising a delicious barbecue experience.
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Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for the next 30 minutes, giving it time to thicken and develop its complex flavors.
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While the sauce simmers, take a moment to appreciate the anticipation building in your kitchen. The savory scent of onions and bacon, mingling with the tangy aroma of vinegar and spices, creates an irresistible atmosphere.
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After 30 minutes of simmering, your barbecue sauce is ready to shine. Remove the saucepan from the heat and marvel at the rich, glossy texture of the sauce, with hints of caramelization from the brown sugar and depth from the spices.
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Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder to suit your preferences. Remember, barbecue sauce should be a reflection of your taste, so don’t hesitate to customize it to perfection.
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Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, it’s time to put your barbecue sauce to use. Brush it generously over grilled meats or poultry just before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Alternatively, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to storage containers. This recipe yields approximately 4 cups of barbecue sauce, but feel free to double or even triple it if you want to stock up for future barbecue adventures.
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Store any leftover sauce in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze it in convenient 2-cup portions for longer storage. Just imagine the joy of having homemade barbecue sauce ready to elevate any meal, whenever the craving strikes.
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Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, grilling up a weeknight dinner, or simply looking to add a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes, this Non Smokin Bar-B-Que Sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the delicious taste of homemade barbecue sauce, without the overwhelming smoke or sweetness—just pure, savory perfection.
