We’ve always loved the smoky, tangy kick of a great BBQ sauce, and Maurice’s version takes it to the next level with its bold flavors and easy prep. Originating from classic Southern traditions, this homemade recipe adds a personal twist that makes every grill session unforgettable.
Whether you’re firing up the barbecue for a family gathering or a casual weeknight meal, we’ll show you how our take on Maurice’s BBQ Sauce brings authentic taste right to your table. It’s the secret ingredient that elevates simple dishes into crowd-pleasers.
Ingredients
To bring our Maurice’s BBQ Sauce recipe to life, we gather these key ingredients in the order we use them, ensuring a seamless blend of bold Southern flavors that elevate any grill session. Each component contributes to the sauce’s tangy, sweet, and smoky profile, rooted in classic traditions for an authentic homemade touch.
Base Liquids
- 1 cup tomato ketchup: Forms the hearty foundation, providing a rich, tomatoey base we start with for even mixing.
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar: Adds a sharp acidity next, balancing sweetness and enhancing the sauce’s zesty kick.
Sweeteners and Depth
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Introduces caramelized sweetness we incorporate early to dissolve fully and deepen the flavor.
- 2 tablespoons molasses: Follows to layer in a robust, earthy sweetness that ties into Southern roots.
Umami and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Brings savory depth we add midway for its tangy, fermented notes.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides aromatic punch, mixed in to infuse subtle allium essence.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements with mild, savory undertones we blend for balanced complexity.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers smoky warmth, a must-have for that grilled essence in Maurice’s BBQ Sauce.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Delivers a controlled heat we include last among spices for adjustable spice level.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Seasons to taste, ensuring the flavors pop without overwhelming.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Finishes the mix with a gentle grind, rounding out the sauce’s bold profile.
| Ingredient | Quantity per Batch | Calories | Sugar (g) | Sodium (mg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato ketchup | 1 cup | 180 | 40 | 1,560 | Primary base; adjust for thickness |
| Apple cider vinegar | ½ cup | 25 | 0 | 10 | Adds acidity; use organic for purity |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup | 210 | 55 | 10 | Provides sweetness; substitute with honey if desired |
| Molasses | 2 tablespoons | 120 | 30 | 15 | Enhances depth; opt for unsulfured variety |
Equipment and Tools
To prepare Maurice’s BBQ Sauce seamlessly, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure precise measurements and even cooking. Building on our ingredient selection, having the right equipment helps us blend flavors effortlessly and achieve that perfect homemade tang and smokiness.
Here’s a curated list of the key tools we recommend:
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for balancing the sweet, tangy, and spicy notes in Maurice’s BBQ Sauce. We use a set of standard measuring cups (for liquids like apple cider vinegar) and spoons (for dry ingredients such as brown sugar and spices) to avoid any guesswork.
- Medium Saucepan: A 2-3 quart saucepan is ideal for simmering the sauce. It allows us to combine ingredients like tomato ketchup and Worcestershire sauce over low heat, ensuring even cooking without scorching.
- Whisk or Wooden Spoon: For stirring and emulsifying, a whisk works best to blend the sweeteners and seasonings smoothly, preventing lumps and incorporating the smoked paprika evenly for that authentic Southern flair.
- Heatproof Mixing Bowl: We use this for initially combining dry ingredients or as a holding spot while the sauce simmers, keeping our workflow organized and mess-free.
- Storage Jars or Bottles: Once our sauce is ready, airtight glass jars or bottles (with at least 16-ounce capacity) are necessary for storage. This helps preserve the fresh, bold flavors for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
By gathering these tools beforehand, we set ourselves up for a smooth preparation process that highlights the ease of making Maurice’s BBQ Sauce at home.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through creating Maurice’s BBQ Sauce with simple, precise steps to achieve its tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors.
Prepare Ingredients
Before we start cooking, let’s organize our ingredients for smooth preparation. Begin by measuring each item accurately using our measuring cups and spoons to ensure balanced flavors in Maurice’s BBQ Sauce.
- Wet Ingredients: In a heatproof mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of tomato ketchup for the rich base, ½ cup of apple cider vinegar for sharp acidity, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce for umami depth, and 2 tablespoons of molasses for caramelized sweetness. Stir gently to blend these liquids into a cohesive mixture that hints at the sauce’s vibrant tang.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix ¼ cup of brown sugar for added sweetness, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder for aromatic notes, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for that essential smoky essence, ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper for seasoning. This combination will awaken your senses with its earthy and spicy aromas.
Cook the Sauce
With ingredients prepped, we now simmer the sauce in our medium saucepan to meld flavors and create a glossy, irresistible finish.
- Pour the wet ingredients mixture into the saucepan over medium heat.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture while whisking continuously to avoid lumps and ensure even distribution.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally as the sauce thickens, releasing a mouthwatering aroma of sweet smoke and tang that fills the kitchen.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—perhaps a pinch more cayenne pepper for extra heat or smoked paprika for deeper smokiness—to perfect Maurice’s BBQ Sauce profile.
Cool and Store
Once cooked, we cool the sauce quickly to preserve its fresh flavors and prepare it for storage in our jars or bottles.
- Transfer the hot sauce to a heatproof bowl and let it cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. As it cools, the sauce develops a rich, glossy sheen that signals its readiness for use.
- Once cooled, pour the sauce into clean, airtight storage jars or bottles. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks to maintain its bold, homemade taste, or freeze for up to 3 months for longer enjoyment. For best results, label the containers with the date and shake well before using Maurice’s BBQ Sauce on your favorite grilled dishes.
Make-Ahead and Storage
One of the joys of preparing Maurice’s BBQ Sauce is its make-ahead versatility, allowing us to craft a batch that enhances flavors over time while fitting seamlessly into our busy schedules. By making the sauce in advance, we let the ingredients meld and develop a deeper, more robust profile that elevates every grilling session.
Benefits of Making Ahead
We recommend preparing Maurice’s BBQ Sauce up to a week before your event to maximize its tangy, sweet, and smoky notes. This approach not only saves time during gatherings but also ensures the sauce reaches its full potential, as the acids from the apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce work their magic to balance the sweetness from brown sugar and molasses.
Storage Methods
Proper storage is key to preserving the fresh, homemade quality of our sauce. Always cool the sauce completely before storing to prevent condensation and bacterial growth. Here’s how we handle it:
- Refrigeration: Transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container or jar. This method keeps the sauce safe and flavorful for everyday use.
- Freezing: For longer-term storage, portion the sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers. This allows us to enjoy Maurice’s BBQ Sauce even months later, maintaining its bold essence.
To provide a clear overview of storage durations and guidelines, we’ve compiled the following table based on our tested recommendations:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 2 weeks | Store in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below; shake well before use to recombine any settled ingredients. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Freeze in ice cube trays for easy portions; thaw in the refrigerator overnight and stir to restore texture. |
| Room Temperature | Not recommended | Avoid this for safety; refrigerate immediately after preparation to prevent spoilage. |
Essential Tips for Optimal Results
To keep our Maurice’s BBQ Sauce at its best, we always label containers with the preparation date and contents for easy tracking. If you notice any off odors, discoloration, or mold, discard the sauce immediately to ensure food safety. By following these steps, we can savor the authentic Southern flavors of this homemade staple whenever the urge to grill strikes.
Conclusion
We’ve truly enjoyed guiding you through Maurice’s BBQ Sauce.
It’s a game-changer that brings authentic Southern flair to your grill sessions.
Let’s make it a staple in our kitchens and elevate every meal with its bold, homemade magic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maurice’s BBQ Sauce?
Maurice’s BBQ Sauce is a homemade recipe inspired by Southern traditions, featuring bold, tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for enhancing grilled dishes, turning simple meals into crowd-pleasers for family gatherings or casual cookouts.
What are the key ingredients in Maurice’s BBQ Sauce?
The main ingredients include 1 cup of tomato ketchup for the base, ½ cup of apple cider vinegar for acidity, ¼ cup of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of molasses for sweetness, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce for umami, and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper for depth and balance.
What tools are needed to make Maurice’s BBQ Sauce?
You’ll need measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a medium saucepan for simmering, a whisk or wooden spoon for stirring, a heatproof mixing bowl for combining ingredients, and airtight jars or bottles for storage. These tools ensure a smooth preparation process at home.
How do I prepare Maurice’s BBQ Sauce?
Start by measuring wet ingredients (like ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire, and molasses) and dry ingredients separately. Combine them in a saucepan, simmer until thickened, then cool and store in airtight containers. The process takes about 15-20 minutes of cooking time for a flavorful homemade sauce.
How should I store Maurice’s BBQ Sauce?
Store the sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze it for up to three months. Always shake well before use and discard if it shows signs of spoilage to maintain its fresh, bold flavors.
Can I make Maurice’s BBQ Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to a week in advance. Making it ahead allows flavors to meld and intensify. Refrigerate in airtight containers for short-term use or freeze for longer storage, ensuring it’s ready whenever you need it for grilling.