Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups ketchup
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 0.25 cup molasses
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp salt

Instructions:

  1. Combine ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, and apple cider vinegar in your saucepan. Note: Using a whisk here prevents sugar clumps.
  2. Place the pan over medium heat.
  3. Whisk vigorously until the sugar crystals have completely dissolved and the color is a uniform, deep red.
  4. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
  5. Reduce the heat to low immediately. Note: High heat can scorch the molasses, making it taste bitter.
  6. Let the sauce simmer gently. Wait until the bubbles become larger and slower, which means the water is evaporating and the sauce is thickening.
  7. Check the consistency. Remove from heat once the sauce reaches a velvety texture that coats the back of a spoon.
  8. Pour the sauce into a bowl or jar.
  9. Let it cool for 10 minutes until it develops a glossy sheen and thickens slightly more.