Growing up, this was what I knew as BBQ sauce. I’m not sure my mother has ever bought BBQ sauce or salad dressing in her life. This is my mom’s Honey BBQ Sauce and it is a classic. I’ve tried many other great sauces over the years, but I always come back to my mom’s. It’s tangy, sweet and finger-licking-good. Great on chicken, pork, beef – you get the point. It’s easy to make a double batch and store it in the fridge for a long time.
Now you’re thinking, why would you make BBQ sauce if there are about 30 different ones at the grocery store to choose from. There are two reasons for me. One is control over what goes in the sauce. There is minimal high fructose corn syrup (note: you need to buy a ketchup without HFC) or any of the other chemicals you cannot pronounce. Second, it’s super easy. It’s actually a great recipe to entrust a young cook with. They can learn to measure all the ingredients . Ok, I might just have a memory of my mother having me make this sauce.
The other night I made this recipe for an easy dinner. Yes, making BBQ sauce can be for an easy dinner. Costco sells a package of pre-cooked smoked pulled pork, and it’s not beneath me to cut corners. Of course, your own smoked meat would taste much better, but Tuesday nights don’t have room for smoking your own meat. Therefore, I recommend this shortcut, but adding this homemade sauce to make it extra special. It makes for a great BBQ pulled pork sandwich.
Here’s a side note so my mother doesn’t have to post a comment. She recommends using fresh crushed garlic. Fresh is good for taste, but it will change the texture, so use what you prefer.
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup chili sauce
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon molasses
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4-1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (less is better for kids)
Mix all ingredients in a medium sauce pan and simmer for 10 minutes.
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup chili sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼-1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Mix all ingredients in a medium sauce pan and simmer for 10 minutes.
What kind of chili sauce do you recommend? Also, any substitute for garlic allergy? Thanks!
I use Heinz chili sauce. But now that I look at the packaging it has High Fructose Corn Syrup in it as well – so I’ll be looking for a different brand.
I have not tried it without garlic powder, but I’d bet you’ll still like it if it’s omitted. Another idea would be to substitute onion powder for garlic.
Thanks for your coming by KT