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This simmers the sauce low and slow for a full 30 minutes rather than rushing it, which is what allows the sugars in the ketchup and brown sugar to caramelize slightly and deepen into a rounder, less sharply tomatoey flavor. A generous amount of smoked paprika stands in for actual smoke, giving this stovetop sauce a barbecue pit character without needing a smoker.
Per serving
60kcal
Calories
15g
Carbs
13g
Sugar
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
30 min
Servings
10 people
Difficulty
easy
Follow step-by-step with voice guidance.
In a saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and molasses.
Add the Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Whisk until smooth.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium low heat.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 25 to 30 minutes, until thickened and deepened in color.
Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess with more brown sugar or vinegar as needed.
Let cool slightly before transferring to a jar and storing in the fridge.
Simmer Low and Slow: A full 25 to 30 minutes on low heat lets the sugars caramelize slightly, rounding out the sauce's flavor rather than leaving it sharply tomatoey. Use Smoked Paprika Generously: This is what gives the sauce its barbecue pit character without needing an actual smoker. Stir Occasionally While Simmering: Since the sauce thickens as it reduces, stirring prevents it from catching and scorching on the bottom of the pan.
Yes, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce can be whisked in during simmering to add heat without changing the overall sweet and smoky character.
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