Forget ketchup and mustard, BBQ sauce is this summers go-to versatile condiment. I am so excited to share this quick and simple recipe with you.
How do you like your BBQ sauce? Sweet, tangy or smokey? There are so many different styles and I wanted to develop my own because I was looking for the impossible….a combination of all three. I was inspired to do so after I picked up a few jars of local BBQ sauce during our road trip to British Columbia last summer. My favourite was a peach-infused one since it was perfectly balanced with sweetness from the fruit, and just the right amount of spices to give it a beautiful flavour.
I also tend to like my BBQ sauces a little smokey with hickory notes. If you are unsure of what that means, I’m talking about Wendy’s BBQ sauce (yes, the fast-food chain). Growing up, it was my favourite dipping sauce and it still is today. I’ve tried many different brands to try and find a similar flavour, but have only found one.
Why make your BBQ sauce? First, it’s quite inexpensive and can be made in 30 minutes with minimal ingredients. Secondly, it’s a healthier option since you know exactly what is going on in it. Condiments are known to be loaded with sodium and sugars to extend shelf life. If you think how long a condiment can sit in a fridge and still be good for…it’s gross.
Make a batch of this and it will easily last a little over a week in the fridge, or freeze in smaller jars and defrost when you want to use it.
INGREDIENTS:
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1 can of crushed tomatoes
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1/2 cup of brown sugar
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1/2 cup of applesauce
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1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
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1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
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2 tbsp of mustard powder
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1 tbsp of smoked paprika
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1 tsp of ground cumin
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1 tsp of garlic powder
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1 tsp of red chilli flakes
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1/4 tsp of salt
DIRECTIONS:
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In a large saucepan mix tomatoes, brown sugar, applesauce, mustard powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, garlic powder, chilli pepper flakes and salt. Stir until all ingredients until well combined.
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Heat on medium until it starts to boil and reduce on low heat and let simmer for at least 30 minutes. Stir regularly.
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Once cooled slightly, add to a jar multiple smaller jars if you want to freeze.
This sauce can be served either hot or cold. This is the perfect sauce to marinate any meat from ribs to chicken breast.
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.