Smoky-Sweet Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Experience the perfect blend of smoky and sweet flavors in this barbecue sauce recipe. A delicate balance of tomatoes, onions, apple cider vinegar, & bourbon gives it a unique depth. Smoked paprika and brown sugar lend it a touch of smoky sweetness that's utterly irresistible. Whether you're planning a cookout or just want to spice up your usual dishes, this barbecue sauce will surely elevate your culinary creations.

Photos of Smoky-Sweet Barbecue Sauce Recipe

While most of the ingredients are kitchen staples, there are a few that might not be readily available at home. Smoked paprika and apple cider vinegar are key to the recipe's distinct flavour profile. The smoked paprika adds a smoky touch, while the apple cider vinegar lends a tangy finish. If you can't find smoked paprika in your local grocery store, you may find it in specialty spice shops or online. Apple cider vinegar is usually available in the vinegar section of most supermarkets.

Ingredients for the Smoky-Sweet Barbecue Sauce

Tomato: Forms the base of the sauce. It provides acidity and a rich texture to the sauce.

Onion: Adds a sweet and pungent flavor to the sauce.

Garlic: Pairs well with the other ingredients and adds a hint of warmth.

Apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness of the sauce with its tangy notes.

Bourbon: Gives a deep, rich flavor to the sauce.

Dark brown sugar: Adds the sweetness and also helps in caramelizing the sauce.

Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor of the sauce.

Mustard powder: Gives a little bit of heat and a tangy flavor.

Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky flavor.

Cayenne pepper: Intensifies the heat of the sauce.

Chili flakes: Adds a slight texture and heat to the sauce.

Salt: Enhances all other flavors.

One reader, Arnoldo Barrientos says:

This smoky-sweet barbecue sauce recipe is a game-changer! The blend of flavors is incredible, and the texture is just right. It's the perfect balance of smokiness and sweetness. I've used it on ribs, chicken, and even as a dipping sauce - it's a hit every time!

Arnoldo Barrientos

Techniques Required for Making Smoky-Sweet Barbecue Sauce

How to prepare the tomato mixture: Combine the tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a large stock pot and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are very soft.

How to puree the vegetables: Working in batches, puree the cooked vegetables until smooth using a food mill or a food processor.

How to thicken and darken the sauce: Add the remaining ingredients to the tomato mixture and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently. Lower the heat and simmer for about 1½ to 2 hours, until the sauce is thickened and darker in color, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

How to prepare the jars for canning: Heat the jars in simmering water until ready to use. Do not boil. Wash the lids in warm soapy water and set aside with the bands.

How to fill the jars: Ladle the hot barbecue sauce into a hot jar, leaving a ½-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles, wipe the jar rim, center the lid on the jar, and apply the band. Adjust to fingertip tight.

How to process the jars for canning: Place the jars in a boiling water canner and process for 20 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Turn off the heat, remove the lid, and let the jars stand for 5 minutes. Remove the jars and cool for 12 to 24 hours. Check the lids for a seal; they should not flex when the center is pressed.

How To Make Smoky-Sweet Barbecue Sauce

Looking for a barbecue-flavored dip? Try this barbecue sauce recipe with tomatoes, onions, brown sugar, and bourbon for those smoky-sweet flavors!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 2 hours 30 minutes

Cool and Process Time: 1 day 25 minutes

Total: 1 day 3 hours 5 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

12lbstomato,peeled
3cupsonion,finely chopped
4clovesgarlic,chopped
1 ½cupsapple cider vinegar
½cupbourbon
2cupsdark brown sugar,packed
1tbspgarlic powder
1tbspmustard powder
2tbspsmoked paprika
1tspcayenne pepper
2tspchili flakes
2tbspsalt

Instructions

Combine tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a large stock pot and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until vegetables are very soft.
Working in batches, puree vegetables until smooth with Harvest Pro food mill or in the bowl of a food processor.
Return tomato mixture to the pot and add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently. Lower heat and simmer for about 1½ to 2 hours, until thickened and darker in color, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
Prepare boiling water canner while sauce is cooking. Heat jars in simmering water until ready to use. Do not boil. Wash lids in warm soapy water and set aside with bands.
Ladle hot barbecue sauce into a hot jar leaving a ½-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Wipe jar rim. Center lid on jar and apply band. Adjust to fingertip tight. Place jar in boiling water canner. Repeat until all jars are filled.
Process jars for 20 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Turn off heat, remove lid, and let jars stand for 5 minutes. Remove jars and cool for 12 to 24 hours. Check lids for seal. They should not flex when center is pressed.
Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 273.63kcal
Fat: 1.32g
Saturated Fat: 0.19g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.29g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.54g
Carbohydrates: 49.11g
Fiber: 6.73g
Sugar: 38.25g
Protein: 4.98g
Sodium: 1207.31mg
Calcium: 98.77mg
Potassium: 1387.86mg
Iron: 2.34mg
Vitamin A: 221.73µg
Vitamin C: 65.75mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Smoky-Sweet Barbecue Sauce

To ensure your barbecue sauce has a deep, smoky flavor, consider using smoked salt instead of regular salt. This will enhance the smoky notes from the smoked paprika. Additionally, for a smoother sauce, you can strain it after simmering to remove any remaining chunks. Remember, the key to a great barbecue sauce is balance - a perfect blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. So, don't hesitate to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Prepare the ingredients: Gather and prepare all the ingredients and equipment before starting to cook to streamline the process.

Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly puree the vegetables for the barbecue sauce, saving time and effort.

Simmer on low: Instead of boiling the sauce at high heat, simmer it on low to reduce the risk of scorching and to save time during the cooking process.

Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to avoid wasting time searching for utensils or ingredients.

Multi-task: While the sauce is simmering, use the time to prepare other components of your meal to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.

Substitute Ingredients For Smoky-Sweet Barbecue Sauce Recipe

tomato - Substitute with canned tomatoes: Canned tomatoes can be used as a substitute for fresh tomatoes in barbecue sauce. They provide a similar depth of flavor and are convenient to use, especially when fresh tomatoes are not in season.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for onions in the barbecue sauce to provide a milder, sweeter flavor.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for apple cider vinegar to provide a slightly milder acidity and fruity undertones.
bourbon - Substitute with whiskey: Whiskey can be used as a substitute for bourbon to provide a similar smoky and sweet flavor to the barbecue sauce.
dark brown sugar - Substitute with molasses: Molasses can be used as a substitute for dark brown sugar to add a rich, smoky sweetness to the barbecue sauce.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Minced garlic can be used as a substitute for garlic powder to provide a more intense and fresh garlic flavor to the barbecue sauce.
mustard powder - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard can be used as a substitute for mustard powder to add a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the barbecue sauce.
smoked paprika - Substitute with chipotle powder: Chipotle powder can be used as a substitute for smoked paprika to provide a smoky and spicy flavor to the barbecue sauce.
cayenne pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can be used as a substitute for cayenne pepper to add a mild, smoky flavor without the intense heat.
chili flakes - Substitute with hot sauce: Hot sauce can be used as a substitute for chili flakes to add heat and a tangy flavor to the barbecue sauce.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for salt to add a savory umami flavor to the barbecue sauce.

Best Way to Present This Smoky-Sweet Sauce

Elevate the plating: When presenting the smoky-sweet barbecue sauce, consider using a small sauce boat or a delicate drizzle technique to create an elegant and refined presentation.
Incorporate garnishes: Sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika over the sauce for a pop of color and a hint of smokiness, adding visual appeal and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Utilize complementary side dishes: Pair the barbecue sauce with a selection of grilled vegetables, such as zucchini and bell peppers, arranged artfully on the plate to create a harmonious and visually striking ensemble.
Opt for sophisticated serving vessels: Present the barbecue sauce in a sleek, modern ramekin or a stylish glass jar to add a touch of sophistication to the overall presentation.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crunchy element, such as a delicate microgreen garnish or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, to provide a textural contrast and elevate the visual and sensory experience.

Essential Tools for Making Barbecue Sauce

Large stock pot: A large, heavy-bottomed pot used for cooking and simmering large batches of sauces, soups, and stews.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used to puree, blend, or mix ingredients quickly and efficiently.
Harvest pro food mill: A hand-cranked tool used to puree and strain cooked fruits and vegetables to create smooth sauces and purees.
Boiling water canner: A large pot with a lid and a rack used for heat processing and preserving canned foods.
Simmering water: Water heated to a temperature just below boiling, used for warming jars and lids before canning.
Jar lifter: A specialized tool used to safely lift and remove hot jars from a canner or boiling water.

How To Store and Freeze Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Once the barbecue sauce has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
If you have made a large batch of the smoky-sweet barbecue sauce and want to store it for an extended period, freezing is an excellent option:
- Pour the cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags, leaving about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of your frozen sauces.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for easier storage and quicker thawing.
- The barbecue sauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To thaw the frozen barbecue sauce, transfer the container or bag from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once thawed, give the sauce a good stir to recombine any ingredients that may have separated during the freezing process.
If you need to use the barbecue sauce immediately after thawing, you can reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Avoid boiling the sauce, as this may alter its texture and flavor.
Always use clean utensils when scooping out portions of the barbecue sauce to prevent contamination and extend its shelf life.

How To Reheat Leftover Barbecue Sauce

The best way to reheat leftover smoky-sweet barbecue sauce is to transfer it to a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. This method ensures that the sauce heats evenly and doesn't burn or stick to the bottom of the pan.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the sauce in the microwave. Place the desired amount of sauce in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through. Be careful not to overheat the sauce, as it can cause it to splatter and make a mess in your microwave.
For a quick and easy way to reheat the sauce while keeping it moist, try placing it in a heat-safe bowl and setting it over a pot of simmering water. Stir the sauce occasionally until it's heated through. This method is known as a double boiler and helps to prevent the sauce from drying out or burning.
If you have a lot of leftover sauce, you can also reheat it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), transfer the sauce to an oven-safe dish, and cover it with foil. Heat the sauce for 15-20 minutes, or until it's heated through. Stir the sauce occasionally to ensure even heating.
Lastly, if you're planning to use the reheated sauce for grilling or barbecuing, you can brush it directly onto your meat or vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking. This will help to refresh the flavor of the sauce and give your food an extra boost of smoky-sweet goodness.

Random Fact About Smoky-Sweet Barbecue Sauce

The barbecue sauce recipe is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as pulled pork sandwiches, grilled chicken, or as a dipping sauce for fries or onion rings.

Is Making Barbecue Sauce at Home Economical?

The cost-effectiveness of this smoky-sweet barbecue sauce recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients. While the recipe calls for a large quantity of tomatoes, onions, and apple cider vinegar, the overall cost may be reasonable if these items are in season or readily available. The addition of bourbon and dark brown sugar may increase the cost, but these ingredients can often be used in other recipes. Considering the yield and versatility of the sauce, it could be a worthwhile investment. Rating: 8/10. Approximate cost: $20-25.

Is This Barbecue Sauce Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The smoky-sweet barbecue sauce recipe is a delicious blend of flavors, but it may not be the healthiest option due to its high sugar content and the presence of bourbon. The recipe calls for a significant amount of dark brown sugar, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential health issues if consumed in large quantities. Additionally, the use of bourbon adds extra calories and alcohol content to the sauce.

However, the recipe does include some nutritious ingredients, such as tomatoes, onions, and garlic, which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The spices used, like smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, can also offer some health benefits due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of dark brown sugar by half or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Omit the bourbon entirely or replace it with a non-alcoholic liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor without the added calories and alcohol content
Increase the amount of vegetables used, such as adding bell peppers or carrots, to boost the sauce's nutritional value
Use low-sodium tomatoes and reduce the amount of added salt to decrease the overall sodium content
Experiment with additional spices and herbs, like cumin or oregano, to enhance the flavor profile without relying on excessive sugar or salt

Editor's Thoughts on This Smoky-Sweet Barbecue Sauce Recipe

The smoky-sweet barbecue sauce recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and aromas. The combination of tomatoes, onions, and garlic creates a rich and savory base, while the apple cider vinegar and bourbon add depth and complexity. The balance of dark brown sugar, smoked paprika, and a hint of heat from the cayenne pepper and chili flakes creates a harmonious sweet and smoky profile. The cooking process allows the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a luscious, thick sauce that is perfect for grilling, dipping, or marinating. This recipe is sure to elevate any dish it accompanies.

Enhance Your Smoky-Sweet Barbecue Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Try grilling the corn on the cob and brushing it with a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce for a delicious twist on a classic side dish.

Loaded Baked Potato: Top a baked potato with a dollop of smoky-sweet barbecue sauce for a flavorful and satisfying side dish.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Drizzle honey glazed carrots with a touch of smoky-sweet barbecue sauce for a unique and tasty side dish.

Pulled Pork Sliders: Use the smoky-sweet barbecue sauce as a topping for pulled pork sliders for a mouthwatering and savory side dish option.

Other Barbecue Sauce Recipes to Try

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is packed with tender chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and onions, all simmered in a rich and flavorful broth. It's the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.

Grilled Peach Salad: This refreshing salad features juicy grilled peaches, mixed greens, crumbled feta cheese, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It's a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that's perfect for a light and healthy meal.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Indulge in this creamy and decadent mushroom risotto, made with Arborio rice, flavorful mushrooms, and a touch of white wine. It's a comforting and satisfying dish that's sure to impress your dinner guests.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake: Treat yourself to a slice of this luscious lemon blueberry cheesecake, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a vibrant blueberry topping. It's the ultimate dessert for any special occasion.

Appetizers and Desserts to Serve With This Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: For a delicious and elegant appetizer, try making savory stuffed mushrooms. These bite-sized treats are filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. They are sure to impress your guests at any gathering.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp: If you're looking for a tropical twist on a classic appetizer, consider making crispy coconut shrimp. These succulent shrimp are coated in a crispy, sweet coconut breading, and then fried to perfection. They are perfect for dipping in a tangy and spicy sauce, creating a delightful combination of flavors.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a velvety smooth and decadent chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The rich and creamy texture of this dessert will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the luscious and creamy strawberry cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a vibrant strawberry topping. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Share your thoughts on this Smoky-Sweet Barbecue Sauce Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

What type of tomatoes should I use for the barbecue sauce?

You can use any type of tomatoes for this barbecue sauce recipe. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can use vine-ripened tomatoes. For a more robust flavor, you can use Roma tomatoes.

Can I substitute the bourbon with something else?

If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with an equal amount of apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.

How long can I store the barbecue sauce?

You can store the barbecue sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can process the jars in a boiling water canner for 20 minutes and store them in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Is the barbecue sauce spicy?

The barbecue sauce has a smoky-sweet flavor with a hint of heat from the cayenne pepper and chili flakes. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce the amount of these ingredients.

Can I use this barbecue sauce for grilling and marinating?

Yes, this barbecue sauce is perfect for grilling and marinating meats. It adds a delicious smoky-sweet flavor to chicken, ribs, pork, and even vegetables.