Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp molasses or honey
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- Pinch of cayenne or hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and molasses. Stir well.
- Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir again to blend everything together.
- Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and let cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust sweetness, tang, or spice as needed.
- Remove from heat, cool, and transfer to a jar or container for storage.
Notes
- For a sweeter sauce, add extra honey or brown sugar.
- For a tangier sauce, add more vinegar.
- For a smoky flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke.
- Always taste before finishing—adjust until it’s just right for your dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sauce/Condiment
- Method: Stovetop simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg