How to make BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce is so common all over the world that it’s just convenient to simply buy it when you need it. But, provided you have at least 3 base ingredients (tomato juice, tomato paste and smoked paprika), you can make one yourself in under 5 minutes. You need tomato juice for the smooth texture, tomato paste to thicken it without making it taste like starch and smoked paprika - for the smoky flavor. The rest of the ingredients are there to balance the whole thing and give it depth. 

Naturally, you need salt and sugar. You can use actual salt and sugar here but for a richer flavor we recommend you use soy sauce and maple syrup (or agave). For acidity, add just a little bit of vinegar. Any type will work here. Then for a bit of extra you can add garlic powder, onion powder, black or cayenne pepper, for taste. 

That’s all. Whisk all of the ingredients together and cook until piping hot. It’ll last in the fridge for up to 5 days but it’s so easy to make you can just do it every time you need some for your meal. Yes, it’s extra work but there are no preservatives and you can use better ingredients. You control it 100%. 

Ingredients

180 ml ~ ⅔ cup tomato juice
30 g ~ 2 tbsp tomato paste
40 ml ~ 2 tbsp maple or agave syrup
15 ml ~ 1 tbsp soy sauce
5 ml ~ 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions

Add all of the ingredients to a small saucepan. Whisk to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently with a spoon or a spatula, for ~ 60 seconds.