
If you’re looking for a BBQ sauce that packs a punch with bold flavors, this Kentucky Black BBQ Sauce is the way to go. With its unique blend of tangy vinegar, sweet molasses, and rich spices, it’s perfect for slathering on ribs, pulled pork, or even grilled vegetables. This sauce embodies the essence of Kentucky barbecue culture, making it a must-try for any grill enthusiast.
The depth of flavor in this sauce is truly remarkable. Each bite offers a dance of sweetness and tang, with a hint of smokiness that elevates any dish it graces. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – whether you’re marinating, basting, or dipping, this sauce will take your meals to the next level.
What makes this recipe special is its simplicity. You can whip it up in no time, and you likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Just a few steps and you’ll have a jar of homemade sauce that rivals any store-bought version.
Kentucky Black BBQ Sauce: A Flavorful Companion for Grilling
This Kentucky Black BBQ Sauce is a delightful blend that captures the essence of barbecue culture. With its rich and tangy profile, it serves as both a marinade and a finishing touch for your grilled meats and vegetables. The combination of apple cider vinegar and molasses creates a harmonizing balance that elevates any dish.
The glossy appearance of the sauce hints at its robust flavor, making it a compelling addition to any cookout. Whether you’re slathering it on ribs or dipping fresh veggies, this sauce is versatile enough to enhance various culinary creations.
Understanding the Core Ingredients
The foundation of this sauce includes apple cider vinegar, molasses, and a careful selection of spices. Apple cider vinegar contributes a tangy kick, while molasses brings in sweetness and depth.
Each spice, from smoked paprika to cayenne, plays a crucial role in layering flavors. Together, they form a complex profile that’s not only satisfying but also addictive. This combination ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
Simple Steps to Homemade BBQ Sauce
Making Kentucky Black BBQ Sauce at home is straightforward and quick. In just about 30 minutes, you can prepare a batch that rivals any commercial sauce on the market. The process begins with combining the wet ingredients in a saucepan.
Once mixed, introducing the spices transforms the mixture into a rich sauce. Allowing it to simmer thickens the sauce and melds the flavors beautifully. This simplicity makes it an inviting option for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices alike.
Perfect Pairings with Kentucky Black BBQ Sauce
This sauce shines particularly well with grilled meats, such as ribs and pulled pork. Its tangy sweetness complements the smoky flavors from the grill, making every bite enjoyable.
Not just for meat, it can also enhance grilled vegetables or even act as a dipping sauce for appetizers. Whether for a summer barbecue or a cozy indoor meal, the versatility of this sauce makes it an excellent choice.
Storage and Shelf Life
After preparing your Kentucky Black BBQ Sauce, it’s essential to store it properly. Allowing it to cool completely before transferring it to a jar or an airtight container helps maintain its quality.
When stored in the refrigerator, this sauce can last up to two weeks. This makes it easy to prepare in advance, ensuring you always have a delicious condiment ready for your meals.
Health Considerations
For those mindful of nutritional content, this sauce provides a flavorful option without excess fat. With 50 calories per serving and no fat, it can fit into various dietary preferences.
Being mindful of the sugar content is essential, but you can adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of molasses or brown sugar used. This adaptability allows you to tailor the sauce to meet your personal taste and dietary needs.
Kentucky Black BBQ Sauce: A Flavorful Companion for Grilling

This Kentucky Black BBQ Sauce is a rich and tangy sauce made from a base of vinegar, molasses, and spices. It has a deep, dark color that hints at its robust flavor profile, perfect for enhancing meats and vegetables alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir until well mixed.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir to incorporate all the spices into the mixture.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and Adjust: Remove from heat and taste the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt or additional spices if needed.
- Cool and Store: Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to a jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 16 servings
- Calories: 50kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
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