Authentic Oklahoma BBQ Sauce Recipe

Oklahoma BBQ sauce recipe is a thick, bold, and richly spiced barbecue sauce made with tomato juice, ketchup, vinegar, and a unique blend of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

I was watching an old cooking show where this Oklahoma BBQ sauce recipe was featured, and it inspired me to try making it at home.

The main specialty of this Oklahoma BBQ sauce recipe is its deep, sweet-heat balance with a warm spice kick that sets it apart from typical BBQ sauces.

Now I’ll show up and guide you step-by-step through making this classic Oklahoma BBQ sauce recipe the traditional way.

Oklahoma BBQ Sauce Recipe

This Oklahoma BBQ sauce recipe delivers a bold, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor with a spicy kick. Made with a tomato base, white wine vinegar, sugar, and a warm blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, cayenne, and chili powder, it creates a deep, complex taste.

The finely minced onion sautéed in butter adds richness and texture. It simmers slowly to develop layers of flavor, ideal for ribs, brisket, or grilled chicken.

This Oklahoma BBQ sauce recipe reflects classic Oklahoma barbecue tradition strong, flavorful, and unforgettable. Once made, it stores well and tastes even better the next day after the flavors settle and deepen.

How To Prepare Oklahoma BBQ Sauce Recipe?

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Course: Condiment / Sauce

Cuisine: American (Oklahoma-style BBQ)

Difficulty: Easy

Yield: Makes about 6 cups

Kitchen Utensils

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk (optional)
• Storage jar or airtight container

Ingredients

• 1½ cups ketchup
• 2½ cups tomato juice
• 1 cup white wine vinegar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 medium onion, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1½ teaspoons ground black pepper
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon celery seed
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1½ teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1½ tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely minced onion and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for the sauce.

2. Pour in the ketchup, tomato juice, and white wine vinegar. Stir in the granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

3. Stir in the black pepper, garlic powder, celery seed, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, chili powder, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger. Make sure all spices are evenly distributed through the sauce. Let the flavors begin to mingle.

4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 35–40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. The sauce will reduce slightly and thicken during this time.

5. In the last 5 minutes of simmering, stir in the Worcestershire sauce. This adds umami depth and balances the sweetness and spice.

6. Once cooked, remove the sauce from heat and allow it to cool slightly. For a smoother sauce, you can blend it, but traditionally it’s served with texture. Pour into a clean jar or airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Note: This Oklahoma-style BBQ sauce is known for its warm spices and noticeable heat. You can reduce the cayenne pepper and chili powder slightly for a milder version. The flavors deepen after a day in the fridge, making it even better when made ahead.

Nutrition Facts Of Oklahoma BBQ Sauce Recipe

Nutrition	Amounts
Calories	125
Total Fat	2g
Saturated Fat	1g
Cholesterol	5mg
Sodium	420mg
Total Carbohydrates	27g
Sugars	23g
Protein	1g

Why My Recipe Works

My Oklahoma BBQ sauce recipe works because it balances sweetness, acidity, and spice perfectly. Using both ketchup and tomato juice provides a rich tomato base, while the white wine vinegar adds a bright tang that cuts through the sweetness.

The combination of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg gives the sauce a unique depth of flavor not found in typical BBQ sauces.

Simmering the sauce slowly allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a thick, smooth texture. This careful layering of flavors ensures a bold, well-rounded sauce that complements a variety of grilled or smoked meats beautifully.

Why You Should Try This Recipe Today

You should try this Oklahoma BBQ sauce recipe today because it delivers a rich, bold flavor that brings something different to your BBQ dishes.

The unique blend of spices combined with tangy vinegar and sweet tomato creates a sauce full of depth and character. Making it at home means fresh ingredients and a customizable heat level.

It’s simple to prepare and keeps well, so you can enjoy authentic Oklahoma-style barbecue anytime. Adding this sauce to your cooking will impress your family and friends with its distinctive taste, making your next meal more memorable and flavorful.

Great Ways To Use Oklahoma BBQ Sauce Recipe

◆ Grill and Smoke: Brush it onto ribs, brisket, or pulled pork during the last few minutes of grilling or smoking for a tangy, flavorful glaze.

◆ Dipping Sauce: Serve it warm or cold as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders, fried snacks, or veggie sticks.

◆ Burger Topping: Slather it on burgers or sandwiches to add a zesty, smoky kick.

◆ Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Mix it into shredded pork for moist, flavorful pulled pork sandwiches.

◆ Meatloaf Glaze: Spread it on top of meatloaf before baking for a tangy, sweet crust.

My Tips Tips For Success!

1. Spices lose their potency over time. Using fresh ground spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cayenne will give your sauce a vibrant and rich flavor that stands out.

2. The onion should be minced very finely so it cooks down smoothly and blends well into the sauce. This prevents any harsh chunks and adds subtle sweetness and depth.

3. Simmer the sauce on low heat and stir often to avoid burning or sticking at the bottom of the pan. This helps the sauce thicken evenly and prevents bitter burnt spots.

4. Add cayenne pepper and chili powder little by little, tasting as you go. This way, you control the heat and can customize the spiciness to your preference.

5. Allow the sauce to cool and sit in the fridge overnight. This resting time lets the flavors meld and intensify, making the taste richer and more balanced.

6. Keep your BBQ sauce fresh by storing it in airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator. Proper storage will maintain the sauce’s flavor and texture for up to two weeks.

Additions And Variations

Sure! Here are some popular additions and variations to customize your Oklahoma BBQ sauce recipe:

Additions:

• Mustard: Add 1–2 tablespoons of yellow or spicy brown mustard for a tangier, slightly sharper flavor—common in some Oklahoma-style sauces.
• Molasses or Honey: Stir in a tablespoon or two for deeper sweetness and a richer, more complex taste.
• Mayonnaise or Red Sauce: For a creamy twist, blend in a bit of mayo or make a “red sauce” by adding mayonnaise and ketchup for a tangy, smooth finish.
• Hot Sauce or Cayenne: Increase the heat by adding more cayenne pepper or a splash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick.
• Smoked Paprika or Liquid Smoke: To boost the smoky flavor without extra cooking, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke.

Variations

1. Mustard-Based Oklahoma BBQ Sauce: Swap tomato base with yellow mustard and add vinegar, sugar, and spices for a bright, tangy mustard sauce popular in parts of Oklahoma.
2. Sweet & Spicy: Increase brown sugar and add chipotle chili powder or chipotle peppers in adobo for a smoky, spicy-sweet blend.
3. Vinegar-Heavy Sauce: Boost the apple cider vinegar and reduce the tomato base for a sharper, tangier sauce reminiscent of Carolina-style influences but with Oklahoma flair.
4. Creamy BBQ Sauce: Mix the base sauce with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a creamy, tangy dipping sauce perfect for chicken or veggies.

How To Store Leftovers

To store leftover Oklahoma BBQ sauce recipe, let it cool completely to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Keep the container refrigerated, where the sauce will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.

For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months—just thaw it in the fridge before using. Always give it a good stir before serving to recombine any separated ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

This Oklahoma BBQ sauce recipe is an easy and delicious recipe to make at home. After cooking, it’s ready to enjoy with your favorite meats like ribs, burgers, or grilled chicken.

You can also use it as a dipping sauce or marinade. The process is simple to follow, and once you make it, the bold flavor really stands out.

I hope you try this Oklahoma BBQ sauce recipe, understand each step, and enjoy sharing it with your family and friends. It’s a great way to bring homemade barbecue flavor to your meals any time of the year.

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