The Frugal Gourmet S Southern Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Jeff Smith's legendary Southern BBQ sauce recipe from his 1984 cookbook, "The Frugal Gourmet"! This mouthwatering sauce is perfect for pulled pork and elevates any barbecue. One batch is enough for approximately 10 lbs of meat, making it perfect for a crowd or for keeping on hand. It's incredibly flavorful, easy to make, and stores beautifully in the refrigerator. Don't have liquid smoke? Smoked paprika is a great substitute!

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 100 mins
Calories 1014 kcal
Protein 44g
Rating 3.6 (7 Reviews)
The Frugal Gourmet S Southern Barbecue Sauce

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for The Frugal Gourmet S Southern Barbecue Sauce

  • Beef Broth
  • Tomato Paste
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • Granulated Sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • Prepared Yellow Mustard
  • White Vinegar
  • 1-2 teaspoons liquid smoke OR 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • Chili Powder

How to Make The Frugal Gourmet S Southern Barbecue Sauce

  1. In a large saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, molasses, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and liquid smoke (or smoked paprika).
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
  3. Reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 60-80 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool completely before transferring to an airtight jar or container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

386 g

Sugar

759g

Fat

7g

Carbs

74g