Hog Wild BBQ Sauce Recipe
This homemade Hog Wild BBQ sauce recipe condiment has a bold sweet-tangy profile, moderate heat, and a thick, brushable texture. Dark brown sugar, molasses, tomato paste, mustard, and smoked paprika give the sauce its distinctive character.
Equipment
- Medium heavy-bottom saucepan
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Fine mesh strainer
- Heat-safe storage jar
Ingredients
- 1½ cups tomato ketchup
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅓ cup water
Instructions
Step 1
- Pour the ketchup, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, water, and lemon juice into a medium saucepan. Whisk until the tomato paste blends smoothly into the liquid.
Step 2
- Stir in dark brown sugar, molasses, and corn syrup. Keep stirring until the sugar begins dissolving and the mixture looks evenly blended.
Step 3
- Add mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne, black pepper, and kosher salt. Stir thoroughly so the seasonings distribute throughout the base.
Step 4
- Set the saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then cook for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Avoid a rapid boil because the thick mixture can scorch on the bottom.
Step 5
- When the sauce coats the back of a spoon and reaches your preferred thickness, remove the pan from the heat. Taste and adjust salt or cayenne if needed. Let it cool before transferring it to a clean jar.
Notes
Notes: The ketchup gives the sauce body, while apple cider vinegar brings a sharp tang. Dark brown sugar and molasses create a deeper sweetness and darker color. Tomato paste thickens the mixture, while mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and chili powder build the barbecue character. Corn syrup helps maintain a glossy texture.