Barbecue sauce
is ubiquitous to American cuisine, and regional varieties and personal concoctions abound. For example, Carolina sauce tends to be thin and runny, while Kansas City style is thick and sticky. There are also variations of cooking sauces versus dipping sauces; one is used as a marinade and the other used as a condiment. Barbecue sauce is one of the most debated items in a chef's repertoire. While every good grill cook has a favorite recipe, and many hold inside secrets to their own creations, the basic foundation of a good sauce is very simple.
Instructions
1. Fry the onion in butter over medium-high heat until it begins to turn translucent. Add the tomato or ketchup and stir well.
2. Stir in the remaining ingredients, blending well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often. The sauce can now be used as a marinade and cooking sauce. Be sure to reserve some sauce for dipping.
3. Experiment with variations like hot sauce, chili flakes or crushed red pepper, celery seed, fresh diced jalapeno, molasses or pancake syrup instead of brown sugar, bourbon or other whiskey, lime and cilantro, espresso or other coffee, Liquid Smoke, pineapple or orange juice, soy sauce, ginger, and fresh or roasted garlic.
Tags: Barbecue sauce, used marinade