Maple Syrup BBQ Sauce Recipe
The maple syrup BBQ sauce recipe has a rich, sweet, tangy taste that works beautifully on grilled and roasted foods. Real maple syrup adds a mild sweetness, while molasses brings a deeper, darker note.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Small bowl
- Clean glass storage jar
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup real maple syrup
- 1¾ cups tomato sauce
- 5½ ounces tomato paste
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 2½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1¼ teaspoons garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- 1¼ teaspoons paprika
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1½ teaspoons liquid smoke
Instructions
Combine the base:
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, molasses, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce to a medium saucepan. Whisk until the tomato paste dissolves into the liquid.
Add the seasonings:
- Stir in black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Dijon mustard, and liquid smoke. Mix until the seasonings spread evenly throughout the sauce.
Heat gently:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Avoid a rapid boil because the thick sauce can splatter and stick to the bottom.
Simmer until thick:
- Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 20–25 minutes. Stir every few minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan, until the sauce becomes glossy and reaches a spoon-coating consistency.
Cool and use:
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the sauce cool for several minutes. Taste once it has cooled slightly and adjust the seasoning only if needed. Use it as a glaze, dipping sauce, or finishing sauce.