Tennessee Red Bbq Sauce That Slaps All Summer
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup (the base, so don’t buy mood lighting—buy real ketchup)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (for tang you can actually feel in your taste buds)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (or you know, sugar with vibes)
- 1 tbsp molasses (for that deep, earthy sweetness)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire-style sauce substitute (optional, skip if you’re purist)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (the “smoke” without needing a grill in the living room)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin (a little warmth, not a safari)
- Pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to taste (bring the heat, not a fire alarm)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Yes, it’s basically a fancy sneeze of flavor. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. You’ll see it bubble like it’s gossiping about your cooking skills.
- Lower heat and simmer 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and cling to the back of a spoon.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: a bit more vinegar for tang, sugar for sweet, or cayenne for kick. Remember: you control the heat, not the sauce.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly. It will thicken a touch more as it rests. Use immediately or store for later.