Imagine a BBQ sauce so rich, so complex, and so irresistibly delicious that it transforms ordinary grilled meats into culinary masterpieces. This Red Wine BBQ Sauce is not just a condiment – it's a flavor explosion that will elevate your cooking from good to absolutely extraordinary! With a perfect balance of bold red wine, sweet brown sugar, and tangy balsamic vinegar, this homemade sauce will make your taste buds dance and your guests beg for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 1 cup of red wine, 1 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, pour in the 1 cup of red wine. Place the saucepan over medium heat and allow it to warm up gently. This will help the flavors to meld together as the sauce cooks.
- Once the wine is heated, add 1 cup of ketchup to the saucepan. Stir the mixture well to combine the red wine and ketchup thoroughly.
- Next, incorporate 1/4 cup of brown sugar into the mixture. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Now, add 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the saucepan. These ingredients will add depth and complexity to your BBQ sauce.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir the mixture again to ensure that all ingredients are well combined.
- Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- As the sauce cooks, taste it periodically and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference. You may also add more brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
- Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly before transferring it to a jar or airtight container.
- Your Red Wine BBQ Sauce is now ready to use! It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and can be used as a marinade, dipping sauce, or glaze for your favorite grilled meats.
Tips
- Wine Selection Matters: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for the best flavor profile. Avoid using cooking wine, as it can be too salty.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Simmer the sauce on low heat to allow the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken naturally. Rushing this process can result in a less developed taste.
- Customize Your Heat: Want a spicier sauce? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during the cooking process.
- Storage Secrets: Store your sauce in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a week and the flavors will continue to meld and improve.
- Versatility is Key: This sauce isn't just for BBQ! Use it as a marinade, dipping sauce, or glaze for chicken, pork, beef, or even as a unique pizza sauce.
- Consistency Check: If the sauce becomes too thick, simply thin it out with a little more wine or water. If it's too thin, continue simmering until it reaches your desired thickness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
