Memphis Barbecue Sauce
Normally, Memphis Barbecue is served without sauce. However, rules are made to be broken and this why many Memphis BBQ Joints have sauces available; either on the side or by special order. This recipe captures the complexity of this Memphis Barbecue Sauce in a rich, flavorful sauce that holds the perfect combination of sweet, vinegar, and heat. A good Memphis Barbecue Sauce is thinner than most tomato based sauces, so keep that in mind as you prepare it.
Memphis Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 small yellow onion (pureed in blender of food processor)
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons prepared mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt use more if needed
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Peel, and cut onion in half. Store one half for later use, and roughly chop the other half. Place it into a blender, or small food processor along with 1 tablespoon water. Puree onions.
- In medium sized saucepan, melt butter over medium high heat. Add pureed onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2 minutes. Add remaining sauce ingredients, and simmer over low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove sauce from heat and cool completely. Use right after, or store in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week after preparation.
- Before serving, bring sauce up to room temp either on stovetop or in the microwave for 45-60 seconds.
Notes
Image by: Engin_Akyurt/Pixabay
