Homemade BBQ Sauce without Ketchup

Hello there, fellow homesteaders! Living up here in the mountains of Alaska, we learn to make do with what we have and rely on good, wholesome ingredients. When it comes to making barbecue sauce, I prefer to skip the store-bought ketchup and create something truly homemade from start to finish. Today, I’m sharing my recipe for a rich, flavorful homemade BBQ sauce that’s made entirely from scratch—no ketchup required!

This sauce is perfect for slathering on ribs, basting chicken, or even mixing into baked beans. It’s got just the right balance of sweet and tangy flavors, and it all starts with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Instructions:

1. Cook the garlic: Peel and chop the garlic. In a medium saucepan, add the avocado oil and garlic, then cook over medium high heat until it’s nice and fragrant.

2. Add the Tomato Sauce: Add the tomato sauce to the pan. This is the base of your barbecue sauce, giving it a deep, rich tomato flavor without relying on ketchup.

3. Add the Vinegar and Sweeteners: Stir in the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic honey. These ingredients provide the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness, making the sauce rich and flavorful.

4. Add the Flavorful Ingredients: Next, mix in the rest of the ingredients. If you like a bit of spice, you can add more black pepper or a little bit of cayenne pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

5. Simmer and Reduce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. For a thicker sauce, simmer for about 30-40 minutes. This slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce becomes too thick, just add a little water to thin it out.

6. Cool and Store: Once the sauce is just right, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Transfer it to a mason jar or an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to two weeks, but in our house, it rarely lasts that long!

There’s something so satisfying about making barbecue sauce from scratch, especially when you’re using ingredients that you know and trust. Up here in the mountains, we value self-reliance and the joy of creating something truly homemade. This sauce is a testament to that spirit—a little bit sweet, a little bit tangy, and a whole lot of delicious.

So, the next time you’re firing up the grill or just want to add a bit of zing to your meal, reach for this homemade barbecue sauce. From our homestead to yours, happy cooking and enjoy every flavorful bite!