Description
Smoky, sweet root beer bbq sauce elevates grilled meats with its unique flavor profile from classic American ingredients. Homemade magic blends soda’s caramel notes with tangy spices, creating a mouthwatering condiment you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) root beer (not diet)
- 1 cup (240 ml) ketchup
Flavor Enhancers:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon (21 g) molasses
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon (1.5 g) garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon (1.5 g) onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon (1.5 g) salt
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Position a medium saucepan on the stovetop and create a harmonious blend of root beer, tomato paste, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and spices using a whisk.
- Activate medium heat, gently stirring the mixture to ensure all ingredients integrate smoothly and no clumps remain.
- Allow the liquid to transition from a calm surface to a gentle, rolling bubble, then immediately reduce the temperature to maintain a soft simmer.
- Let the sauce develop its rich flavors, occasionally stirring to prevent potential scorching and encourage even reduction.
- Monitor the consistency, watching for a slight thickening that indicates the sauce has reached its optimal texture, typically after 15-20 minutes of simmering.
- Remove the pan from heat and permit the sauce to cool naturally at room temperature, which will further enhance its viscosity.
- Transfer the completed barbecue sauce into a clean glass jar or sealed container, ensuring a tight lid for maximum preservation.
- Refrigerate the sauce, where it will maintain its robust flavor profile and remain ready for immediate culinary application on grilled meats or as a dipping condiment.
Notes
- Customize the sweetness by selecting your preferred root beer brand, which can subtly alter the sauce’s overall flavor profile.
- Balance the tanginess by adjusting the vinegar quantity to suit personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Enhance the sauce’s complexity by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for depth and subtle heat.
- Store the homemade BBQ sauce in an airtight container for up to two weeks in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and intensify over time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg