Texas-Style BBQ Sauce

If you want to elevate your barbecue game by taking it down South, you’ll need some Texas barbecue sauce. Known for its robust, tangy and slightly sweet flavor, this sauce is a quintessential part of Texas barbecue.

Whether you’re preparing brisket, pork ribs or chicken, this sauce will give you a caramelized and flavorful crust. Unlike sweeter, thicker sauces from other regions, Texas barbecue sauce features a more liquid consistency with bold, rich and complex flavors that make it ideal for grilling and smoking. The sauce can also be used as a marinade for meats before cooking.

Texas Barbecue Sauce Ingredients

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• Butter: Butter adds richness and depth to the sauce, providing a smooth base that enhances the flavor of the other ingredients. It also helps in sautéing the onions and garlic to bring out their natural sweetness.
• Onion: Chopped onion is sautéed to develop a sweet and savory base for the sauce, adding texture and complexity.
• Garlic: Minced garlic introduces a punch of aromatic flavor that compliments the barbecue sauce sweet and tangy elements.
• Ketchup: Ketchup is the primary base of the sauce. It gives the barbecue sauce a thick texture and sweet and tangy profile. Here are our favorite ketchup brands.
• Sugar: Brown sugar provides a rich sweetness that contrasts with the tanginess of the vinegar and lemon juice. It helps to caramelize the sauce and adds depth to its flavor.
• Lemon: Lemon juice adds a bright, tangy note that cuts through the sweetness of the brown sugar and ketchup. It helps to balance the flavors.
• Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar contributes a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness and adds complexity to the sauce. It also helps to tenderize the meat.
• Tomato paste: The concentrated richness of tomato paste thickens the sauce and intensifies its flavor.
• Mustard: Yellow mustard provides a tangy, slightly spicy note that rounds out the flavor of the barbecue sauce. It adds a depth of flavor that complements the sweetness and tanginess.
• Worcestershire: Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami flavor that enhances the complexity of the barbecue sauce. It also introduces a hint of tanginess and depth.
• Chili powder: Chili brings a spicy kick and smoky depth to the sauce. It adds layers of flavor and a bit of heat characteristic of Texas-style barbecue.

Directions

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

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In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook and stir frequently for three minutes until tender and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Step 2: Combine ingredients

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Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce and chili powder. Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

Texas Barbecue Sauce Recipe Variations

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• Spicy: Add extra chili powder or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick. You can also include finely chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for additional heat.
• Smoky: Incorporate smoked paprika or liquid smoke to give the sauce a deeper, smoky flavor. This is perfect for enhancing the flavor of grilled or smoked meats.
• Sweet: Increase the amount of brown sugar or add a drizzle of honey to make the sauce sweeter. This variation pairs well with chicken and pork.

How to Store Barbecue Sauce

Store the barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to two weeks, allowing you to use it for multiple meals.

Can you freeze barbecue sauce?

You can freeze the barbecue sauce for up to three months. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or plastic bag, and thaw it in the refrigerator before use.

Can you make barbecue sauce ahead of time?

This barbecue sauce can be made ahead of time to allow the flavors to develop even further. Prepare the sauce up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Texas Barbecue Sauce Recipe Tips

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What makes Texas barbecue sauce different?

Texas barbecue sauce is known for its bold, spicy and smoky flavors. It has a thinner consistency than other regional barbecue sauces and often features a combination of tangy vinegar, sweet brown sugar and savory spices.

How should I use this Texas barbecue sauce?

Use this barbecue sauce as a finishing glaze on grilled or smoked meats or serve it on the side for dipping. It’s versatile and can be brushed onto meats during the last few minutes of cooking to create a caramelized coating.

How do you make barbecue sauce from scratch without ketchup?

You can replace ketchup with tomato sauce or paste. Add a bit of molasses and extra cider vinegar to mimic the tang and sweetness and adjust seasonings to taste. This will still give you a delicious barbecue sauce with a slightly different base flavor.