Memphis Barbecue Sauce

Traditionally Memphis Barbecue is served without a sauce, but since rules are made to be broken, many Memphis BBQ Joints have sauces available, either on the side or by special order. This sauce captures the complexity of Memphis Barbecue in a rich sauce that has a mixture or sweet and vinegar with a hint of heat. A good Memphis Barbecue Sauce is thinner than most tomato based sauces

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: Makes about 3 cups

Ingredients:

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 2 tablespoons prepared mustard
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon mild chili powder
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne (optional)

Preparation:

Melt butter in a saucepan over a medium heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until lightly browned. Add remaining ingredients (vinegar last), reduce heat and simmer over low for 20 minutes. Allow to cool. Optionally you can puree this sauce to make a smoother barbecue sauce.