Hickory Smoked BBQ Sauce
This homemade condiment brings smoky depth, mild sweetness, and bright tang to grilled meals. The texture stays thick, glossy, and easy to brush across meat or spoon beside a finished dish.Tomato paste gives body, while smoked paprika and liquid smoke create the signature barbecue character. Honey adds a mellow sweetness, and vinegar keeps the mixture lively instead of heavy.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Small serving bowl
Ingredients
- ¾ cup tomato sauce
- 2½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce or vegan Worcestershire
- 1½ tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon honey maple syrup, or agave
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1½ teaspoons liquid smoke
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon salt then adjust to taste
Instructions
Start the sauce:
- Pour the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and vinegar into a medium saucepan. Stir well until the tomato paste blends into the sauce.
Stir in the spices:
- Add the smoked paprika, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne, and salt. Give everything a good stir.
Heat gently:
- Set the pan over low to medium-low heat. Keep stirring as the sauce warms up. Let it get hot, but do not let it come to a strong boil.
Let it simmer:
- Turn the heat down and let the sauce cook for 10–12 minutes. Stir from time to time to keep it from sticking to the bottom. It should look a little thicker when done.
Check the taste:
- Take the pan off the heat and let a small spoonful cool before tasting. Add more salt, vinegar, honey, or cayenne if you want to change the taste.
Cool and use:
- Allow the BBQ sauce to cool for a few minutes. Brush it over grilled chicken, pork, burgers, or vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking, or serve Hickory Smoked BBQ sauce on the side.