St. Louis BBQ Sauce
What is St. Louis BBQ Sauce?
St. Louis BBQ Sauce is known for its rich, sweet and tangy flavor profile with a subtle smoky finish. It’s a tomato-based sauce with molasses, brown sugar, and spices, making it a perfect blend of sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of smokiness. This sauce is particularly popular in the Midwest, especially in St. Louis, Missouri, where it’s often used to glaze ribs, chicken, and other grilled meats.
- Ketchup: The base of the sauce, provides a deep, rich tomato flavour and a source of vitamin C.
- Molasses: Adds a robust, dark sweetness and contains iron and calcium.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a caramel-like richness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Contributes a tangy flavour while supporting digestion and potentially lowering blood sugar.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami flavour and depth, plus trace amounts of antioxidants.
- Garlic Powder: Contains allicin, known for its heart-healthy benefits and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Smoked Paprika: Provides a smoky flavour and is a good source of vitamin A.
Pros:
- Well-Balanced Flavor: A perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and smokiness that complements many meats.
- Versatile: Works beautifully as a glaze for ribs, chicken, and pulled pork, and as a dipping sauce.
- Easy to Make: Requires just a few basic ingredients and is simple to prepare.
- Widely Loved: Its sweet and tangy profile appeals to most BBQ lovers.
Cons:
- High in Sugar: Contains significant sugar, so it may not be suitable for those on low-sugar or low-carb diets.
- Sweetness Might Not Suit All: Those who prefer a spicier or more tangy sauce might find it too sweet.
- Not as Versatile as Vinegar-Based Sauces: The sweetness can limit its use on non-pork dishes.
- Grilled Ribs: Brush the sauce on ribs towards the end of grilling for a sweet, sticky glaze.
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Drizzle the sauce over pulled pork for a juicy, flavorful bite.
- Grilled Chicken: Apply the sauce to chicken wings or drumsticks during the final minutes of grilling.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve alongside fries, onion rings, or grilled vegetables for a tangy-sweet dip.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Resting Time: Let the sauce rest for 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Yield: About 1 cup of St. Louis BBQ Sauce
- Serves: Serves 8-10 people with 2 tablespoons per person.
Adjusting for Different Group Sizes:
- For 4-5 people: Halve the recipe (use 1/2 cup ketchup, etc.).
- For large groups (15-20 people): Double the recipe (use 2 cups ketchup, etc.).
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine all ingredients and stir until smooth.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Let it cool and rest for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to blend.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more vinegar for tang or more sugar for sweetness.
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Best used within 1-2 weeks for the freshest flavor.
- Calories: ~40 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugars: 9g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Rich in Antioxidants: The garlic powder and smoked paprika provide antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation.
- Digestive Health: The apple cider vinegar can aid in digestion and help balance the gut microbiome.
- Energy Boost: The molasses offers iron to help support red blood cell production.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free when made with gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
- Vegan: If you choose vegan Worcestershire sauce, this recipe is vegan-friendly.
- Keto-Friendly: High sugar content means it’s not suitable for keto diets.
- Ribs: St. Louis BBQ Sauce is often associated with St. Louis-style ribs, and it’s perfect for glazing these tender, meaty ribs.
- Pulled Pork: The sweetness of the sauce complements the rich flavor of slow-cooked pork.
- Grilled Chicken: The balance of tang and sweetness pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken.
- Burgers: Add some St. Louis BBQ Sauce to your burger for an extra layer of flavor.
Pro Tip:
For an extra smoky flavor, add a touch of liquid smoke or increase the amount of smoked paprika.
St. Louis BBQ Sauce is a flavorful and well-balanced sauce, perfect for any BBQ lover looking to add a touch of sweetness and tang to their grilled meats. Easy to make and packed with rich flavors, this sauce is sure to be a hit at your next BBQ. Whether you’re glazing ribs, smothering pulled pork, or dipping fries, St. Louis BBQ Sauce is a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire.
