Blue Ridge Smoke Sauce is a tangy, sweet, and smoky barbecue sauce inspired by the flavors of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With ingredients like red wine vinegar, brown sugar, and liquid smoke, it captures the essence of old-school Southern barbecue with a unique twist. This sauce pairs wonderfully with ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken and brings depth to any smoked dish with its rich, complex layers of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup red wine vinegar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 ½ tbsp liquid smoke
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper (ground)
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, and molasses.
Step 2: Add Seasoning
- Stir in the liquid smoke, salt, and ground black pepper.
Step 3: Simmer
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
- Let the sauce simmer for about 10–15 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Cool and Store
- Remove from heat and let cool. Store in a jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Tips
- Simmer longer (20 to 25 minutes) for a thicker, richer glaze.
- Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika for deeper smokiness.
- Stir in a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for heat.
- Replace red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a milder tang.
- Add a splash of bourbon for a bold, complex flavor.
- Use dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses note.
- Reduce vinegar slightly if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
- Blend the finished sauce for an extra-smooth texture.
- Store in jars and let rest 24 hours for the best flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 0.4gFat: 0.03gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 0.3mgSodium: 207mgPotassium: 182mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 103IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 1mg
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