Aaron Franklin BBQ Sauce Recipe
Aaron Franklin's BBQ Sauce is a popular recipe known for its balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors. Since it's typically made with ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, the nutritional facts can vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for mixing (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp + 1 ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 ½ tsp coarse black pepper
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
Instructions
Combine ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, add all the ingredients: ketchup, both vinegars, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, chili powder, ground cumin, and kosher salt.
Cook the sauce:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture well. Bring the sauce to a simmer, making sure everything is fully combined.
Simmer and thicken:
- Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will gradually thicken as it cooks. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning or over-thickening. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.
Taste and adjust:
- Once the sauce has reached the desired thickness, taste it and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You can add more sugar if you like it sweeter, or more vinegar if you want a tangier flavor.
Cool and store:
- Once the sauce is done, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer the sauce to an airtight container or jar. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
Notes
Aaron Franklin BBQ sauce recipe is incredibly versatile. Not only does it pair beautifully with his Texas-style brisket, but it also works wonderfully with pork, chicken, or even as a dipping sauce for fries.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with it on your favorite grilled dishes. I love using this BBQ sauce to add a punch of flavor to burgers or ribs.
If you like your BBQ sauce with a little more heat, feel free to tweak the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can make it as spicy or as mild as you prefer.