Introduction
This Smokin' Hickory BBQ sauce is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. Cooking it on the Arteflame grill adds an authentic, fire-kissed touch, making it ideal for glazing ribs, chicken, or burgers. Its rich, hickory-smoked flavor brings the taste of barbecue perfection to every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp hickory liquid smoke
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
Instructions
Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
- Light your Arteflame grill using vegetable oil-soaked napkins under firewood. Allow the grill to heat for about 20 minutes.
- Place a small cast-iron skillet on the cooler edge of the flat cooktop for gentle cooking.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- Pour the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and molasses into the skillet.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, hickory liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Stir the mixture until well combined.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
- Move the skillet to a slightly warmer area of the cooktop.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- If desired, whisk in the butter during the last few minutes of cooking for a silky texture and extra richness.
Step 4: Adjust and Cool
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning, sweetness, or heat to your preference.
- If the sauce is too thick, stir in a tablespoon of water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Remove the skillet from the grill and let the sauce cool slightly.
Step 5: Serve or Store
- Use the Smokin' Hickory BBQ sauce immediately as a glaze for grilled meats or as a dipping sauce.
- Transfer any leftovers to a clean, airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Tips
- Enhance Smokiness: Adjust the hickory liquid smoke to intensify the smoky flavor.
- Balance Sweetness: Add more brown sugar or molasses for a sweeter sauce.
- Customize Heat: Add more cayenne pepper for a spicier version.
Variations
- Spicy Hickory BBQ Sauce: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for smoky heat.
- Maple Hickory BBQ Sauce: Substitute molasses with maple syrup for a sweeter twist.
- Garlic Hickory BBQ Sauce: Sauté minced garlic in the skillet before adding the other ingredients.
- Bourbon Hickory BBQ Sauce: Add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon for a rich, boozy flavor.
- Tangy Hickory BBQ Sauce: Increase the apple cider vinegar for a tangier sauce.
Pairings
- Ribs: Brush generously over baby back ribs or pork spare ribs during grilling.
- Chicken: Use as a glaze for chicken thighs, wings, or drumsticks.
- Burgers: Spread on burgers for a bold BBQ flavor.
- Vegetables: Toss with grilled zucchini, eggplant, or corn on the cob.
Conclusion
This Smokin' Hickory BBQ sauce, prepared on the Arteflame grill, delivers bold, smoky, and sweet flavors that elevate any barbecue dish. Its versatility and depth make it a must-have for grilling enthusiasts.
