It's probably a shame that I haven't shared a BBQ sauce recipe as long as I've been doing this blog. Truth is, I've never really had one I liked. Ever since moving to China, I have sometimes made some kind of like my Uncle Dan makes, but its more of an east coast type, heavy vinegar sauce. But when it comes to the kind I want for spreading on some grilled chicken or for dipping chicken nuggets or for using on a BBQ Chicken Pizza, its not the kind I want. So for these things I'd just tended to buy a bottle from the import store if we really were craving it. But earlier this summer I decided it was time to find a good BBQ sauce recipe. I tried 3 or 4 and I think I finally found one that suits all I need for it to be. It was great on the pizza, we liked it with nuggets, and it made some good grilled chicken! I've adapted it from Allrecipes to be more China friendly (I can't get molasses). Hope you enjoy it!
Homemade BBQ Sauce
1 cup ketchup
2/3 cup tomato paste
1/3 cup water
1/2 cup + 2 Tbs dark brown sugar (use the dark China stuff!)
1/2 cup + 2 Tbs vinegar (white/red wine or cider will be best, but white works too)
1/4 cup honey
1-2 tsp liquid smoke (opt)
1 Tbs butter
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp celery seed
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp chili powder
1/8 tsp cinnamon
Mix together all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it comes to a boil, reduce to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Cook longer for a thicker sauce.
Notes: You can just use 1 cup tomato sauce in place of the paste and water if you can get it. The flavor of a red wine or white wine or cider vinegar will produce a better flavor in the BBQ sauce, but I've also tried it with just white vinegar and it was fine. I use a really dark brown sugar and honey in place of molasses called for in most BBQ sauce recipes. I tried this without the liquid smoke and it still makes a good sauce, but its MUCH better if you have some to add. I know celery seed isn't a common spice for most people--if you don't have it, I'd just leave it out and not worry about it!
Homemade BBQ Sauce
1 cup ketchup
2/3 cup tomato paste
1/3 cup water
1/2 cup + 2 Tbs dark brown sugar (use the dark China stuff!)
1/2 cup + 2 Tbs vinegar (white/red wine or cider will be best, but white works too)
1/4 cup honey
1-2 tsp liquid smoke (opt)
1 Tbs butter
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp celery seed
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp chili powder
1/8 tsp cinnamon
Mix together all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it comes to a boil, reduce to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Cook longer for a thicker sauce.
Notes: You can just use 1 cup tomato sauce in place of the paste and water if you can get it. The flavor of a red wine or white wine or cider vinegar will produce a better flavor in the BBQ sauce, but I've also tried it with just white vinegar and it was fine. I use a really dark brown sugar and honey in place of molasses called for in most BBQ sauce recipes. I tried this without the liquid smoke and it still makes a good sauce, but its MUCH better if you have some to add. I know celery seed isn't a common spice for most people--if you don't have it, I'd just leave it out and not worry about it!
Can I use Korean brown sugar? I really don't like the Chinese brown sugar. Will it make a huge difference? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOh any brown sugar will be fine!! I just choose to use the really dark stuff because most BBQ sauce calls for molasses but since I can't get that, the darker brown sugar will have a stronger molasses-y flavor than a lighter brown sugar. I substituted honey for molasses in this recipe and used the darker brown sugar to compensate. But it will be totally fine with whatever you use!
ReplyDeleteDo you have any tips or tricks to getting an actual simmer on a Chinese gas stove? The flame (even on the lowest setting) always seems to be a bit hotter than I'd like.
ReplyDeleteNo, sadly I don't. In our current house we had to buy the stove, so we bought a nicer Seimens brand and i can get it really low, which is nice. But I've also lived with the lower end stoves that just have high and higher!! Could you use your crockpot to simmer it a bit if you have one? Obviously it would take longer but just do it on high or even low for an hour or two in there til a thickness you like.
DeleteThanks! Glad to know about that brand as a possibility for the future.
DeleteHow long would this sauce keep in the fridge? thanks!
ReplyDeleteI've kept this for quite a few weeks in the fridge with no problems. Like 6-8. :)
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