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I am definitely not one of those that thinks everything needs to be made from scratch. But that being said, I do enjoy the challenge and reward of making something that is a good copycat of something I can buy in my grocery store. Like this copycat recipe for Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce. I was making a big ole batch of smoked pork when I realized I didn’t have a sauce on hand. As much as I love my pulled pork sandwiches, I love them more with a little BBQ sauce added in. Well, in no time at all I whipped this great sauce together. It has the right consistency, just like the ‘real’ stuff. And it has that (nearly) same great flavor. And on top of all that, it was fun to make!
Make It Your Way
The great thing about making your own copycat of the recipe for Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce is that you can customize it for your tastes. Want it a bit more smoky? Add a tad bit (I would start with a very small tad bit) of liquid smoke. Don’t like liquid smoke? Chipotle chili powder is a great substitute. Or substitute smoked honey for the molasses.
Maybe (like me) you want a bit of spiciness? Add more cayenne pepper or a few (long) shakes of hot sauce or some red pepper flakes. Thinner? Stir in some water. Thicker? Don’t add as much water. Make it your own. I did. And, I end up changing up pretty much each and every time. Because life is about trying new things!
Brrrrrrrr
Refrigerate any leftover sauce. But that doesn’t mean use it cold when you go to put it on your ribs, burgers, chicken or whatever. No point in ruining a nice hot piece of meat with a super-cold sauce. Nope. Let the sauce come to room temperature first. Or, pour it into a small saucepan and heat it up just a bit over low heat.
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Also try my copycat Dreamland BBQ sauce.
Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce (Copycat Recipe)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups ketchup
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- ¼ cup pineapple juice or apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 ½ teaspoons ground mustard
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cold water optional
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional
Instructions
- Stir together all ingredients except for the water and corn starch in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to a simmer. Continue to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the brown sugar has dissolved.
- If you want a thicker sauce, combine the water and cornstarch in a small glass and slowly stir in to the sauce. Continue to simmer until the desired thickness is achieved.
- If the sauce gets too thick add water, a very little bit at a time, and stir.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional values are approximate.
My grandson is profoundly autistic and 17 years old. Sweet Baby Rays has been put on 80 percent of his food since he was little. I realized yesterday that I was low on SBR’s. Couldn’t get to store. Might have been melt down time. Found your recipe and made it today!! It’s a hit!!! This is what I will be using going forward. I think it’s delicious!
I’m so glad you and your grandson liked it. I do too!
Regards,
Mike