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There’s nothing more satisfying than firing up the grill on a sunny day, especially when you’ve got a tangy and sweet masterpiece like our Stubb’s BBQ sauce copycat recipe. This homemade BBQ sauce recipe is an homage to the classic Texas-style sauce we all know and love. The best part? You can whip up this smoky, spicy barbecue sauce right in your own kitchen. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Why Make Your Own Barbecue Sauce?
While you can easily snag a bottle of Stubb’s BBQ sauce at the grocery store, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating your own sauces. Not only does a homemade version mean you know exactly what’s in it, but you can also customize the flavor profile to your liking. Want a little more heat? Add some extra cayenne pepper. Prefer it on the sweeter side? A little more brown sugar should do the trick. Trust us, once you go homemade, you’ll think twice before reaching for the store-bought sauce next time.
The Perfect Blend of Flavors
Our Stubb’s BBQ sauce recipe copycat is a symphony of flavors. We’re talking a robust blend of tomato sauce, yellow mustard, and a splash of lemon juice for a tangy kick. Throw in a hint of chili powder, black pepper, and garlic powder, and you’ve got a sauce that’s bold and spicy, yet balanced. And let’s not forget the star of the show: a smoky kiss of liquid smoke that takes this sauce to the next level.
Adding the Sweetness to Your Stubb’s BBQ Sauce Copycat Recipe
What’s a BBQ sauce without a little sweetness? Our Stubb’s BBQ sauce recipe copycat gets its signature sweetness from brown sugar and a touch of maple syrup. These sweet elements perfectly balance the heat from the chili powder and cayenne pepper, creating a sauce that’s both bold and comforting. Whether you’re using it as a marinade for pork shoulder or as a dipping sauce for air fryer chicken nuggets, this sweet and smoky barbecue sauce is sure to be a hit.
Getting that Smoky Flavor
One of the hallmarks of Stubb’s BBQ sauce is its unmistakable smoky flavor. And while we can’t all have a smoker in our backyard, we can bring that smoky flavor to our sauce with the help of liquid smoke. This secret ingredient gives our Stubb’s BBQ sauce recipe copycat that authentic barbecue taste, even if you’re just cooking on a standard saucepan. Just a few drops will transport your taste buds straight to a Texas BBQ joint.
Adjusting the Heat In Your Stubb’s BBQ Sauce Copycat Recipe
Like your sauce with a kick? You’re in control with this Stubb’s BBQ sauce recipe copycat. You can adjust the heat to your liking by adding more or less cayenne pepper. Whether you like just a hint of spice or enough heat to tickle the back of your throat, you can tailor this recipe to suit your palate. After all, the best BBQ sauce is one that’s made to your taste.
Out of an herb or spice you need? See our substitution suggestions:
Cardamom 🌱 Nutmeg 🌱 Oregano 🌱 Rosemary 🌱 Sage
Storing Your Stubb’s BBQ Sauce
Once you’ve perfected your Stubb’s BBQ sauce recipe copycat, you’ll want to keep it on hand for all your BBQ needs. Luckily, this sauce stores beautifully. Just pour it into a mason jar, seal it tight, and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to a month, ready to be slathered on ribs, brushed on burgers, or used as a dipping sauce for fries. Homemade BBQ sauce on demand? Yes, please!
Conclusion
Ready to ditch the store-bought stuff and make your own barbecue sauce? Our Stubb’s BBQ sauce recipe copycat is a great place to start. With its balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, it’s a versatile sauce that’s great on just about anything. Give it a try and experience the joy of homemade BBQ sauce — we promise, you won’t look back!
Stubb's BBQ Sauce Copycat Recipe
Yield: 2 cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
This is a homemade version of the popular Stubb's BBQ sauce. It's perfect for your grilled meats and veggies, and can be customized to your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until all the ingredients are well blended.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- After simmering, let the sauce cool for a few minutes. Then, use a blender or immersion blender to puree the sauce until it's smooth. This step is optional and only needed if you prefer a smoother consistency.
- Once the sauce is at your desired consistency, taste it and adjust the seasonings if necessary. If it's too spicy, add a little more brown sugar. If it's too sweet, add more vinegar.
- Allow the sauce to cool completely before serving or storing. This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Notes
This sauce is quite versatile and can be customized to your taste. If you prefer a smokier flavor, add a little liquid smoke. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16Serving Size: 2
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 70Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 410mgCarbohydrates: 17gNet Carbohydrates: 16gFiber: 1gSugar: 13gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 1g
