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Hickory BBQ Sauce Recipe

Hickory BBQ Sauce Recipe

Luna
Hickory BBQ Sauce features a smoky, rich flavor with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Made with hickory smoke, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices, it enhances grilled meats, ribs, and burgers. This sauce adds a deep, smoky twist to your BBQ experience!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Sauce, Condiment
Cuisine American, BBQ
Servings 12 servings
Calories 70 kcal

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk or spoon for stirring
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • A jar or bottle for storing the sauce

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup of ketchup
  • 1/4 cup of cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup of brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of Liquid Hickory Smoke
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of mustard powder
  • 1 tablespoon of chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of molasses
  • 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke optional, but highly recommended

Instructions
 

Combine Ingredients:

  • In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Liquid Hickory Smoke, garlic powder, mustard powder, chili sauce, and molasses. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Cook the Sauce:

  • Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture regularly to ensure it doesn’t burn. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, letting it thicken slightly and blend the flavors together.

Adjust the Flavor:

  • Taste the sauce and, if needed, adjust by adding more brown sugar for sweetness, more vinegar for tanginess, or a little more liquid smoke for a stronger hickory flavor.

Cool and Store:

  • Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Transfer the BBQ sauce into a clean jar or bottle for storage.

Serve:

  • Use this hickory BBQ sauce immediately or refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks. It’s great for glazing meats, dipping fries, or as a topping for burgers and grilled vegetables.

Notes

Hickory smoked salt is a key ingredient for this recipe as it imparts a rich, woodsy flavor to the sauce. However, if you can’t find it, you can substitute with regular salt and add a little extra smoked paprika or liquid smoke to achieve that signature hickory flavor.
If you like your BBQ sauce to have a little more kick, I highly recommend adjusting the cayenne pepper to your taste.
A teaspoon will give it a good heat, but feel free to experiment with more or less depending on your preference.
Keyword Hickory BBQ Sauce Recipe