Memphis Barbecue Sauce

Memphis Barbecue Sauce

A tangy, tomato-based sauce balancing sweet molasses and sharp vinegar for ribs and pulled pork.

Total 35 min Makes 16 oz Calories 55/serving

Dietary

Pescatarian, Wheat free, Dairy free, Nut free, Halal, Kosher

This thin, tangy sauce reflects Memphis barbecue tradition, where vinegar and mustard cut through rich smoked pork. Simmering the ketchup base with brown sugar, molasses, and spices thickens it just enough to cling to ribs or pulled pork without masking the smoke flavor. Use it as a mop during cooking or serve warm at the table.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons water

Method

  1. In a saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.

  2. Stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, salt, and water.

  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

  4. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

  5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before transferring to a jar or bottle.

  6. Store covered in the refrigerator and use as a mop sauce during grilling or serve warm alongside smoked meats.

Rate this recipe

★ 4.4 (1)

Memphis Barbecue Sauce

This thin, tangy sauce reflects Memphis barbecue tradition, where vinegar and mustard cut through rich smoked pork. Simmering the ketchup base with brown sugar, molasses, and spices thickens it just enough to cling to ribs or pulled pork without masking the smoke flavor. Use it as a mop during cooking or serve warm at the table.

35 min 16 oz 55 cal

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons water

Method

  1. 1

    In a saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.

  2. 2

    Stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, salt, and water.

  3. 3

    Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

  4. 4

    Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

  5. 5

    Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before transferring to a jar or bottle.

  6. 6

    Store covered in the refrigerator and use as a mop sauce during grilling or serve warm alongside smoked meats.