Barbecue Sauce

About 4 cups servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 1 h 15 m Total: 1 h 30 m Beginner
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Barbecue Sauce
Classic homemade barbecue sauce recipe with onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic simmered with ketchup and tomato sauce. Perfect for grilling chicken, pork ribs, beef brisket, or any meat you’re throwing on the grill.

Ingredients

About 4 cups servings
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped fine
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced fine
  • 1/4 cup salad oil
  • 1 (8 oz) can Gebhardt's barbecue sauce (or other bbq sauce)
  • 1 bottle ketchup
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 5 drops Worcestershire Sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Sauté onions, celery, bell pepper and garlic in the salad oil. Add the remaining ingredients, one at a time. Cook over low heat for one hour.
  2. Use on any of your grilled meat.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my barbecue sauce too thin?

A: Simmer it uncovered for an additional 15-30 minutes to reduce and thicken. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready.

Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! This sauce actually improves in flavor after a day or two in the refrigerator. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Tips and Techniques

Sauté the vegetables until they’re soft and translucent before adding the remaining ingredients—this develops a sweeter, more mellow flavor. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can pulse it in a blender after cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Gebhardt's barbecue sauce: Any tomato-based barbecue sauce
  • salad oil: vegetable oil or canola oil

Equipment Needed

  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon for stirring