Saturday, May 30, 2015

Darn Good Homemade Bar-B-Que Sauce-with a sugar free option

I've played with making my own Homemade Bar-B-Que Sauce for years hoping to one day have a recipe worth canning-I'm still searching... Our favorite purchased sauce is Sweet Baby Rays, and while it's great, it is, well... heavy on the sweet. I immediately bookmarked this recipe because all of the ingredients were pantry items, it didn't start with ketchup and has a sugar free option. While the author calls it "the worlds best", I tend to stay away from titles like that, but will say this is one darn good BBQ Sauce-I think you'll like it if you try it folks!

Thoughts:
  1. Since store bought sauce is smooth I used onion and garlic powder.
  2. Even though I didn't cook the onions I did still add a tsp bacon fat for some background flavor, will add a little more next time.
  3. Now, you know I like things hot... But even I will use smoked paprika instead of chipotle powder next time. Or use half and half.
  4. I've never tried Stevia but hear it's ubber sweet? I went with brown sugar and just added the bare minimum.
  5. It does have soy sauce but doesn't call for any additional salt, I think a little pinch would be good.
  6. It's nice and thick from the tomato paste, but a little honey (instead of other sweeteners) might make it even more sticky. Gonna try that.
  7. I don't often say things are better the second day, but this really holds up well and the flavors get even happier as it has time to mingle.
  8. This will splatter, use low heat and keep stirring!
  9. Makes 2 cups and may be stored tightly covered in the fridge for three weeks or frozen.
  10. This is a really good starting point for BBQ Sauce, as I make different batches I'll add updates to this post. 
Homemade Bar-B-Que Sauce-adapted from A Real Food Lover
1 Tblsp butter or coconut oil-I added bacon fat
1 C sweet onion, diced small-I used 2 tsp onion powder
1 Tblsp soy sauce
3-4 cloves garlic, minced-I used 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp dry mustard powder
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1 tsp chipotle powder-I suggest smoked paprika or half and half
1 Tblsp chili powder
6oz can tomato paste
1 1/2 C chicken stock (or beef or vegetable)-homemade would be great
2 Tblsp cider vinegar
1/2 - 1 tsp Stevia powder or sugar-I added 1 Tblsp brown sugar
  1. Heat butter/oil in sauce pan, add onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.
  2. Add everything else, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  3. Slather on something and enjoy!
Eat well and have a happy day:@)

14 comments:

  1. darn good - such emphatic language from you today! ;)

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  2. I love bar-b-que but will leave the sauce making to others. I love ribs.

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  3. Nothing beats homemade bbq sauce! Can't wait to try it!

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  4. Well the sauce looks so pretty and I'm sure tastes delish! I was surprised that you would prefer the smoked paprika over the chipotle powder. I look forward to reading the updates on the sauce. Maybe one day you'll have your own Pig in Mud BBQ Sauce label.
    Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Lynn.

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  5. Lynn, the sauce sounds tasty. Would love some BBQ this weekend. '-)
    Cute charm bracelet. I attended a birthday party last night. We each gave a charm to the birthday girl who was celebrating 65 years. Our charms had to reflect a connection to our friend. It was fun to see all the different charms chosen and hear what the friends had to say in their notes. Happy Weekend!

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  6. Lynn, your sauce sounds scrumptious and I agree, nothing like a good homemade BBQ sauce and I'm sure yours is darn good! Will try!

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  7. It does sound darn good! I like your idea of brown sugar instead of Stevia. For those with sugar issues it's a great option, though!

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  8. We love Sweet Baby Rays too, but I agree, it isn't perfect. Sounds so fun to try and make your own and then adjust!

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  9. Oh my goodness!
    My mouth is watering.
    I can't wait to try your recipe- thank you!

    Laura

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  10. Looks delicious. We are fans of my home town BBQ sauce from one of the many BBQ restaurants in Kansas City. I 've tried homemade once or twice but we always go back to the favorite! Hope you have a great week!!!

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  11. It's so easy to grab a bottle [we love Sweet Baby Ray's too] but you're right Lynn, it's not hard to make...I am fascinated that this recipe has soy sauce, that's different, and of course bacon fat it a great substitution :) I'm not much of a fan of Stevia, so I like the brown sugar better too!
    Jenna

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  12. Lynn, I was chuckling over Kitty's "Pig in Mud" sauce comment. Bottle 'er up and send some my way! We had FN on over the weekend watching Guy make the rounds at all the BBQ eateries. My taste buds are all set for good 'cue :)

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  13. I bow to your BBQ skills. This sounds worth testing out. I'm ready for warmer temps and evening's with the grill this week!

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Thank you for stopping by-enjoy your day!