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Onion BBQ Sauce

Onion BBQ Sauce

Luna
Bold, savory, and slightly sweet, Onion BBQ Sauce is a flavorful blend of caramelized onions, tangy vinegar, and rich tomato base. Perfect for slathering on grilled meats, burgers, or as a dipping sauce, it delivers a deep, smoky taste with a hint of sweetness. A versatile addition to any BBQ spread or home-cooked meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Condiment / Sauce
Cuisine American
Servings 2 cups
Calories 100 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Chef’s knife (for chopping onions and garlic)
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large yellow onions finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup red wine vinegar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar adjustable based on sweetness preference
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions
 

Prepare the ingredients:

  • Begin by finely chopping the yellow onions and mincing the garlic cloves.

Sauté the onions and garlic:

  • In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they soften and turn golden brown, about 10-12 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Add the liquids and seasonings:

  • Pour in the ketchup, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Stir to combine. Add the brown sugar, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, ground cloves, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Simmer the sauce:

  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can blend the sauce with an immersion blender or regular blender after cooking.

Taste and adjust:

  • Taste the sauce, and if you desire more sweetness, add a bit more brown sugar. If you want more heat, adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking.

Serve:

  • Let the sauce cool slightly before using it with grilled meats, burgers, or as a dipping sauce.
Keyword Onion BBQ Sauce