James River BBQ Sauce Recipe
James River BBQ Sauce is a tangy, flavorful sauce made from a blend of vinegar, tomato, sugar, and spices. It features a balance of sweetness and acidity, with a hint of smokiness. Perfect for grilling or marinating, this sauce enhances meats, especially pork and chicken, with bold, zesty flavor.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Storage container (for storing the sauce)
Ingredients
- 2 cups Tomato Ketchup
- 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/4 cup Dark Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, add the following ingredients: ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, dark brown sugar, honey, yellow mustard, and lemon juice. Stir until everything is well combined.
Season the Sauce:
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly to incorporate the spices evenly.
Cook the Sauce:
- Place the saucepan on medium heat. Stir occasionally, and let the mixture come to a simmer. Once it starts to bubble, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Adjust Consistency:
- After the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water or additional vinegar to adjust the consistency.
Cool and Store:
- Let the sauce cool to room temperature before using it, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
❖ Consistency Adjustment: If the sauce is too thick after cooking, add a small amount of water or apple cider vinegar to reach your desired consistency.
❖ Make It Ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. Prepare it in advance and let it rest in the fridge overnight.
❖ Vegan-Friendly: To make the sauce vegan, swap the Worcestershire sauce for a vegan version or use tamari for a similar umami flavor.
❖ Sweetness Level: Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or brown sugar based on your personal taste preferences.
❖ Freezer Storage: You can freeze this BBQ sauce for up to 3 months. Store it in a sealed container or freezer bag for easy access during your next BBQ!