Homemade Smoky BBQ Sauce

A dark, glossy sauce that coats the back of a spoon. The powerful aroma of smoky paprika blends with the acidity of vinegar for a smooth glaze.

• Prep time: 10 min
• Cook time: 25 min
• Difficulty: Easy
• Calories: 237
• Protein: 3 g
• Carbs: 43 g
• Fat: 5 g

Ingredients

• 1 piece Onion ( finely minced )
• 2 piece Garlic ( pressed )
• 1 tbsp Sunflower oil
• 80 g Brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Honey
• 100 ml Red wine vinegar
• 250 ml Tomato juice
• 1 tbsp Mustard
• 1 tbsp Smoked paprika
• 1 pinch Cayenne pepper optional
• 1 pinch Gray sea salt
• 150 g Ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics

   In a saucepan, heat the oil. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic. They should become translucent and soft without browning.

2. Caramelize

   Pour in the brown sugar and honey. Let bubble over medium heat until the mixture starts to foam and takes on a deep amber color.

3. Deglaze and reduce

   Deglaze with the vinegar, scraping the bottom to loosen the juices. Add the tomato juice, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Let reduce at a simmer until the sauce is syrupy and shiny.

Chef's tips

• If the sauce is too thin, continue reducing: it should coat the back of a spoon without running off immediately.
• For a professional finish, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove onion and garlic bits.

Storage

Keeps for 2 weeks in the refrigerator in an airtight jar.