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Smokey BBQ Sauce

A rich, sweet and tangy smokey homemade BBQ sauce with deep molasses flavour, subtle spice and a delicious smoky finish. Perfect for burgers, ribs, pulled pork, chicken, pizzas or as a dipping sauce.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Water Bath Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 400 ml (approx)
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 240 ml tomato passata or tomato purée
  • 120 ml apple cider vinegar
  • 100 g brown sugar
  • 60 ml water
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp liquid smoke
  • 2 tbsp molasses or golden syrup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Optional: ¼ tsp chilli powder or cayenne

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Sterilised glass bottles or jars with lids
  • funnel
  • Large pot or water-bath canner
  • Clean kitchen towel

Method
 

  1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until
  3. slightly thickened.
  4. Taste and adjust sweetness, salt, or vinegar if needed.
  5. If using the refrigeration method, disregard steps below and store in your jar in the fridge for up to a month.
  6. Pour hot into sterilised 200 ml bottles, leaving ~1 cm headspace.
  7. Seal and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.
  8. Cool upright and check seals.
  9. Storage
  10. Store sealed bottles in a cool, dark place.
  11. Refrigerate after opening.

Notes

  • Liquid smoke: Start with ¼ teaspoon and add more to taste. A little goes a long way!
  • Molasses vs golden syrup: Molasses gives the sauce a deeper, richer flavour, while golden syrup creates a slightly lighter and sweeter BBQ sauce.
  • Adjust to taste: Before bottling, taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness, tanginess, salt or smokiness to suit your preference.
  • Thickness: The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools. For a thicker sauce, simmer for a little longer.
  • Spice: Add chilli powder or cayenne for a gentle kick, or leave it out for a mild family-friendly sauce.
  • Serving ideas: Delicious with chicken, pork, burgers, sausages, ribs, pizza, sandwiches or as a dipping sauce.
  • Storage: Store unopened bottles according to safe home-preserving guidance for your ingredients and processing method. Refrigerate after opening.