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Texas BBQ Sauce Recipe

Texas BBQ sauce is considered by many to be the pinnacle of barbecue sauces. It has a unique flavor that blends sweet, smoky and spicy elements into one tantalizing sauce. This recipe will show you how to make your own Texas BBQ sauce in just a few easy steps. With this recipe, you’ll soon be creating delicious dishes with the heavenly flavor of Texas BBQ sauce.

texas bbq sauce recipe

What Does Texas Style BBQ Sauce Taste Like

Texas style BBQ sauce is a flavor that has become iconic in the United States and around the world. It is a sweet and smoky sauce with a slightly acidic finish that pairs perfectly with the smokey flavors of grilled meats.

The basic ingredients of Texas style BBQ sauce are tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices like chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. The combination of these ingredients creates a unique and flavorful sauce that is a great accompaniment to any meal.

The sweetness of the tomato paste combines perfectly with the vinegar and spices to create a complex flavor profile that is both sweet and sour. The smokiness of the spices adds another layer of flavor that compliments the smokiness of the grilled meat. The result is a balanced and delicious sauce that can be used to enhance any grilled dish.

Whether it’s ribs, brisket, or chicken, Texas style BBQ sauce brings out the best in all grilled foods. 

Ingredients for Texas BBQ Sauce

Don’t let your fear of the amount of ingredients prevent you from preparing the recipe. You have most of them, and you’ll need the following:

  • Ketchup
  • Water
  • Red Wine Vinegar
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Worcestershire Sauce
  • Salt
  • Brown Sugar
  • Garlic Powder
  • Chili Powder
  • Cumin
  • Cayenne

old fashioned texas bbq sauce recipe

Tips for making BBQ Sauce

  • To ensure a great final texture and flavor for your sauce, make sure to take the time to soften the onions and garlic in butter at the beginning. This will make a huge difference in the end product!
  • Once you have softened them, don’t skimp on reducing the sauce. It may start out thin but give it 20 minutes of simmering and you’ll be surprised how much it thickens. 
  • If you are looking for a perfectly smooth sauce, let it cool completely before pureeing in the blender. This will ensure that the texture is just right.
  • Additionally, this sauce is actually even more delicious the next day, so it’s best to place the finished sauce in an container and refrigerate overnight. This will give the flavors time to meld together and create a delicious result.

What makes Texas BBQ sauce different

When it comes to BBQ sauce, Texas is known for having its own unique style. From the type of meat used to the ingredients in the sauce, there are a few distinct features that make Texas BBQ sauce different from other regional varieties.

To start, Texas BBQ sauce is typically tomato-based. Other regional sauces may use vinegar or mustard as a base, but Texas BBQ sauce is usually made from ketchup and other spices. Additionally, the flavors of Texas BBQ sauce tend to be more intense and smoky than other regional sauces.

The smokiness is achieved by adding liquid smoke or grilling the sauce over charcoal, providing a unique flavor that can’t be found in other regional dishes.

Lastly, Texas BBQ sauce typically has a thicker consistency than other regional sauces, often containing molasses or brown sugar which provide a thicker texture and a sweet taste. The combination of intense smokiness and sweetness is one of the main reasons why Texas BBQ sauce is so popular. 

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How should I use this Texas BBQ sauce

Texas BBQ sauce is a delicious blend of sweet and savory spices, perfect for adding flavor to your favorite barbeque dishes. This sauce is best used as a marinade or a finishing glaze.

To use as a marinade, simply place your meat of choice in a shallow container or resealable bag and pour the Texas BBQ sauce over it. Allow the meat to sit in the marinade for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, turning it occasionally to ensure all sides are evenly coated.

For a finishing glaze, simply brush your barbequed meat with the sauce about 15 minutes before it is finished cooking. This will give it a delicious glaze that will add an extra layer of flavor to your dish. You can also mix this sauce with other BBQ sauces or ingredients to create a unique flavor. 

Texas BBQ Sauce Recipe

Tantalize your taste buds with this classic Texas BBQ sauce recipe.

Course sauce
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 cups Ketchup
  • 1/3 cup Water
  • 1/2 cup Red Wine Vinegar
  • 3/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce
  • 3/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
  • 2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 3 tbsp Chili Powder
  • 1 tbsp Cumin
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, whisked together all the ingredients until combined.

  2. After that, I brought the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it was boiling, I reduced the heat and let it simmer on low for 10 minutes or until thickened.

  3. Once thickened, I removed it from the heat and cooled it off before transferring it to a container.

Recipe Notes

This sauce is best served after 24 hours. However, if you are unable to use it right away, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Make sure that the sauce is stored in an airtight container and is always kept at a temperature of 39F or below. If stored correctly, this product should remain fresh and delicious for up to 2 weeks.

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