Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce
In my opinion, Sweet Baby Ray’s makes the best commercial barbecue sauce. This is a good copycat recipe for their original.
How to create delicious barbecue sauce…
Balance Sweetness and Acidity
- Sweet Ingredients: Common sweeteners include brown sugar, honey, molasses, or maple syrup. Sweetness can enhance the caramelization on grilled meats.
- Acidic Ingredients: Add vinegar (apple cider, white, or balsamic) or citrus juices (lemon or lime) for brightness. This balances the sweetness and adds depth.
2. Start with a solid base
- Tomato Sauce or Ketchup: A classic base. You can mix in tomato paste for thickness or opt for a vinegar-based sauce for a tangier profile.
- Mustard or Soy Sauce: For a different flavor profile, consider using mustard (like yellow or Dijon) or soy sauce for umami.
3. Incorporate herbs and spices
- Common Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and black pepper add complexity.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, or thyme can enhance freshness.
4. Add heat
- Hot Sauces: A splash of your favorite hot sauce or cayenne can add a kick.
- Peppers: Chopped jalapeños or other fresh peppers work well for a spicy touch.
5. Experiment with Liquid Smoke
- If you’re unable to use a smoker, a few drops of liquid smoke can impart a smoky flavor that mimics traditional barbecue.
6. Consider unique flavors
- Fruits: Add fruit purees or juices like mango, peach, or pineapple for sweetness and a twist.
- Alcohol: Ingredients like bourbon or beer can add complexity and depth of flavor.
7. Cook the sauce
- Let the sauce simmer to blend the flavors. Cooking helps meld the ingredients and can thicken the sauce.
8. Adjust consistency
- Add water or broth to thin the sauce or simmer longer to thicken it. A thicker consistency is great for slathering, while a thinner sauce can be used as a marinade or for basting.
9. Taste and adjust
- Always taste your sauce as you go and adjust the seasonings accordingly. Sometimes a pinch of salt or a dash of vinegar can make a big difference.
10. Store properly
- Homemade barbecue sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you make a large batch, consider freezing portions for later use.
11. Serving suggestions
- Pair your barbecue sauce with various meats like ribs, chicken, beef brisket, or pulled pork. It can also be used for dipping or drizzling on sandwiches.
More of our favorite barbecue sauce recipes…
Kicked Up Barbecue Sauce (with variations)
Best of the West Barbecue Sauce
Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce
In my opinion, Sweet Baby Ray makes the best commercial barbecue sauce. This is a good copycat recipe for their original.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: about 2 1/2 cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups ketchup
1 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon hickory liquid smoke
2 1/2 teaspoons ground mustard
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
1/8 cup cold water (optional)
Instructions
Whisk together all ingredients except cornstarch and 1/8 cup cold water in a medium pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until sugar has dissolved.
For a thicker sauce, combine the cornstarch and cold water then mix well to create a slurry. Add slurry to the sauce to thicken.
Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until desired thickness is achieved.
Notes
Image by Rita-👩🍳 und 📷 mit ❤ from Pixabay
