Wendy's Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Dive into the flavors of Wendy's Barbecue Sauce Recipe with this delightful homemade version.
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Blender (optional, for smoother consistency)
- Airtight container for storage
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat.
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and honey.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, smoked papaprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking continuously until the sugar dissolves and the sauce begins to simmer.
- Lower the heat and let the sauce gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring from time to time. This helps the flavors to blend beautifully. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- For a smoother sauce, transfer the sauce to a blender and puree until smooth. Otherwise, leave as is for a more textured sauce.
- Let the sauce cool down then move it into an airtight container and keep it chilled in the fridge.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar and honey based on your taste preferences.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few drops of hot sauce.
- For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of bourbon or a smoked wood chip during the simmering process.
- Make sure to simmer the sauce on low to prevent burning and to allow the flavors to develop fully.
- The sauce will thicken as it cools, so if it seems too thin after cooking, don’t worry.