Basic Barbecue Sauce With Molasses
This molasses barbecue sauce is easy to make in just 5 minutes.
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A great barbecue sauce doesn’t have to be complicated, and this molasses-based version proves it beautifully. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a sauce that’s sweet, tangy, slightly smoky, and wonderfully bold—all in a matter of minutes. It balances the richness of molasses with cider vinegar’s brightness, rounds everything out with tomato notes, and adds just enough cayenne to give the flavor a gentle kick.
Because this sauce cooks quickly and uses common ingredients, it’s an ideal recipe to keep in your back pocket for weeknight grilling, slow cooker meals, or last-minute dipping. It clings beautifully to chicken, pork, and burgers, and it works just as well brushed onto ribs during the last stretch of cooking. Whether you’re making a simple dinner or pulling together a backyard get-together, this versatile sauce brings flavor without fuss.
And since you can adjust the seasoning or sweetness to suit your preferences, it’s a recipe that can grow with you. Add liquid smoke for depth, increase the cayenne for heat, or mix in Worcestershire or garlic for a fuller-bodied profile. It’s fast, flexible, and richly flavored—everything a good homemade barbecue sauce should be.
What You’ll Like About This Recipe
Fast and foolproof. This sauce simmers in just minutes, making it perfect when you need a quick flavor boost for grilled or baked meats, sandwiches, or dipping.
Deep, rich sweetness. Molasses and brown sugar create a sweet foundation that feels warm and robust rather than sugary, giving the sauce a classic barbecue depth.
Bright tanginess. Cider vinegar cuts through the sweetness and adds that essential tang that makes barbecue sauce lively and balanced.
Balanced heat and spice. A dash of cayenne provides gentle warmth without overpowering the sauce, making it versatile for a wide audience.
Easy to customize. Add liquid smoke for a backyard-barbecue feel, increase the heat, or blend in extra seasonings to make the sauce your own.
Ingredient Notes
- Ketchup: Forms the tomato base and gives the sauce body, sweetness, and a smooth texture.
- Molasses: Adds deep, earthy sweetness and a rich flavor that sets this sauce apart from standard sugar-based versions.
- Brown sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps the sauce thicken as it simmers. Packed brown sugar melts easily into the mixture.
- Cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness with acidity and brightens the overall flavor.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and provides thickness and richness.
- Ground cayenne: Adds gentle heat. Adjust the amount to match your preferred spice level.
- Salt and black pepper: Season the sauce and sharpen the flavor profile.
- Liquid smoke (optional): Adds a smoky, grilled flavor—especially helpful when the sauce is used indoors or on slow-cooked meats.
How to Make It
- Combine all ingredients except salt, pepper, and liquid smoke in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Let the sauce cook briefly until it thickens and the flavors blend.
- Season with salt and pepper, and add liquid smoke if desired.
- Use immediately or cool and refrigerate for later.
Pro Tips
- Simmer the sauce gently to prevent scorching, especially because of the sugar content. Low heat keeps the flavor smooth and rounded.
- Taste as you go. Barbecue sauce is highly personal, and a small adjustment of vinegar, sugar, or spice can tailor it perfectly to your dish.
- Add liquid smoke sparingly at first. A little goes a long way and can quickly overpower the balance of the sauce.
- For a thicker sauce, extend the simmering time slightly until it reaches your desired consistency.
- If you prefer a smoother, silkier finish, blend the sauce briefly with an immersion blender after simmering.
Recipe Variations
- Sweet and smoky version.
Add liquid smoke, smoked paprika, or a touch of chipotle in adobo for a deeper, wood-fired flavor that pairs beautifully with ribs and brisket. - Spicy barbecue sauce.
Increase the cayenne or add crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeño for a bolder, hotter sauce. - Tangier profile.
Add extra cider vinegar or a splash of Worcestershire to bring sharper, more robust acidity. - Garlic and onion variation.
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, or finely grated fresh garlic and onion for a more savory, full-bodied sauce. - Brown butter barbecue twist.
Brown 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk it into the finished sauce for a nutty, caramelized depth.
Ways To Use Barbecue Sauce
- Slather barbecue sauce on spareribs, chicken, chops, or beef.
- Add it to cooked shredded pork to make pulled pork, or serve it on the side.
- Spread it on burgers.
- Use it as a meatloaf topping.
- Add it to canned baked beans to make BBQ baked beans.
- Make pulled pork or chicken sliders with pulled pork or shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and slaw.
- Make a pizza with barbecue sauce instead of the typical red sauce.
- Toss crispy chicken wings with BBQ sauce.
- Use it as a dip for chicken nuggets, fritters, or fries.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight jar or container. Refrigerate for up to 1 week. Stir before using.
Freeze: Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Label with the date and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Reheat: Warm gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Basic Barbecue Sauce With Molasses
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 4 tablespoons molasses
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Dash ground cayenne, or to taste
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke, or to taste, optional
Instructions
- Combine the ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, vinegar, tomato paste, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan. Place the pan over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes; add salt and pepper, to taste.
- If desired, add 1/2 teaspoon or more of liquid smoke, to taste.
- Use on ribs, chops, chicken, or burgers, or serve it as a dip.
- The recipe makes about 2 cups of barbecue sauce.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
