Are you looking for an easy BBQ sauce recipe that doesn’t include Worcestershire?
Perhaps you don’t have any to hand, maybe you don’t like it.
Either way, you’ll be glad you stopped by.
I am going to be sharing my go-to recipe that ticks all of the boxes and will be sure to set your taste buds firing.
What Do You Need To Make BBQ Sauce Without Worcestershire
Ketchup
Ketchup is – the classic tomato-based condiment, adds a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
It’s the main component in this BBQ sauce, providing a rich, tomatoey base for the rest of the ingredients to mingle with.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar introduces a tangy acidity to the BBQ sauce, helping to balance out the sweetness from the ketchup, brown sugar, and honey.
It also tenderizes the meat when used in marination, enhancing the overall texture.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is used for its rich molasses flavor and its ability to caramelize and create a beautiful glaze.
It adds a deep, warm sweetness that complements the tanginess of the vinegar and ketchup.
Honey
Honey gives the sauce a natural sweetness and contributes to a thick, sticky texture, perfect for adhering to whatever you’re grilling.
It also adds a slight floral note to the BBQ sauce.
Molasses
Molasses is a thick, dark syrup that adds a robust, deep sweetness and a hint of bitterness to the sauce.
It contributes to the rich color and helps create a glossy finish on grilled meats.
Yellow Mustard
Yellow mustard brings a slight heat and tanginess to the sauce, enhancing its complexity.
It’s a classic ingredient in many BBQ sauce recipes, contributing to a distinct flavor profile.
Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika adds a touch of smoky flavor, enhancing the “barbecue” feel of the sauce.
Its deep red color also contributes to the rich color.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder is used for its concentrated flavor, bringing a savory depth to the sauce.
It’s a simple way to infuse the sauce with the beloved taste of garlic without the need for fresh cloves.
Onion Powder
Onion powder provides a concentrated burst of savory flavor that complements the sweet and tangy elements of the sauce.
It’s a convenient way to add onion flavor without the need for chopping and sautéing.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds a hint of heat and a touch of spiciness that complements the sweetness in the sauce.
It also contributes to the overall complexity of flavors in the BBQ sauce.
Salt
Salt is essential in any recipe to balance and enhance all the other flavors.
In this BBQ sauce, it helps to bring out the sweetness of the ketchup and sugar while moderating the tang of the vinegar.
How To Make BBQ Sauce Without Worcestershire
Step One: In a saucepan of medium size, mix all of the ingredients together. Thoroughly stir the mixture to evenly distribute the spices, sugar, and the rest of the components throughout the sauce.
Step Two: Heat the mixture over medium intensity until it begins to boil. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat and let the sauce gently simmer, leaving it uncovered to allow it to thicken. This process should take roughly 15-20 minutes.
Step Three: After the simmering phase, remove the sauce from the heat source and allow it to cool down.
Step Four: When it’s cooled, the sauce is prepared and ready for use.
If there’s any leftover, it can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for a week or so.
Other Things To Consider When Making BBQ Sauce Without Worcestershire
Selecting Your Vinegar
While this recipe calls for apple cider vinegar, you can experiment with other types depending on your personal preference.
Each vinegar has its unique flavor profile.
For instance, white vinegar offers a more sharp and clean acidity while balsamic vinegar can add a sweet and slightly complex tanginess.
Sweetness Level
The balance between sweetness and tanginess is key in a good BBQ sauce. This recipe uses both brown sugar and honey for sweetness.
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, consider reducing these quantities.
Conversely, if you like a sweeter BBQ sauce, feel free to add a bit more.
Adding Heat
This recipe is mild and doesn’t include hot spices.
If you prefer a spicy kick in your BBQ sauce, consider adding a bit of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes.
Start with a small amount and adjust to your liking.
Consistency
The consistency of your sauce can be adjusted based on your preference.
If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a little water or reduce the simmering time.
For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer, being careful to avoid burning.
Experiment with Flavors
Feel free to customize your BBQ sauce by adding other ingredients.
You could add a splash of bourbon for a boozy kick, some orange juice for a citrusy tang, or even a bit of liquid smoke for an extra smoky flavor.
Remember, the best BBQ sauce is the one that suits your taste buds the best!
What Can I Eat With BBQ Sauce Without Worcestershire
- Grilled Meats: Brush this BBQ sauce on grilled chicken, pork chops, ribs, or burgers for a delectable smoky-sweet glaze that will elevate your meats to new heights of flavor.
- Barbecue Classics: Use the sauce as a dipping or basting sauce for traditional barbecue favorites like pulled pork sandwiches, brisket, or smoked sausages. It adds a delightful tanginess and richness to these dishes.
- Vegetable Skewers: Brush the sauce onto skewered vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions before grilling. The sauce adds a burst of flavor and caramelization, turning simple veggies into a mouthwatering treat.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve the BBQ sauce as a dip for appetizers like chicken wings, meatballs, or crispy tofu bites. Its sweet and tangy notes will perfectly complement the savory elements of these finger foods.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread the sauce on sandwiches and wraps, creating a savory layer of flavor. It works well with grilled chicken, pulled pork, or even vegetarian options like grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms.
- Glaze for Roasted Vegetables: Use the sauce as a glaze for roasted vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor and caramelization to the roasted veggies.
- Pizza Topping: Drizzle the BBQ sauce over homemade or store-bought pizza as a unique and delicious alternative to traditional tomato sauce. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken, red onions, and smoked gouda cheese.
- Stir-fries: Add a splash of this BBQ sauce to stir-fried vegetables or proteins like chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a burst of flavor and a hint of sweetness. It can transform a simple stir-fry into a crave-worthy meal.
Easy BBQ Sauce Recipe Without Worcestershire
This easy homemade BBQ sauce is a delightful blend of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors, free from Worcestershire sauce. It's made with common pantry staples like ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, and a selection of spices. The sauce's texture is rich and smooth, with a depth of flavor that comes from simmering the ingredients together. Its versatility is another strong point: it can be used as a marinade for your meats, a delicious glaze while grilling, or even as a dipping sauce for your favorite snacks.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of ketchup
- 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of molasses
- 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine all of the ingredients.
- Stir well to ensure that all of the spices, sugar, and other ingredients are well-distributed throughout the sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer. Keep it uncovered so that it can thicken. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
- After simmering, remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool.
- Once cooled, the sauce is ready to use.
Notes
This BBQ sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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Hello, I’m Jeremy, a sauce enthusiast and taste trailblazer! My endless pursuit of new flavors has led me on a journey to master sauce making at home, along with try out a range of exciting brands and sauce offerings. Now I share my recipes, tips and recommendations on WeWantTheSauce to help fellow foodies find the perfect sauces.