Description
This sweet, tangy, smoky Dr Pepper BBQ sauce adds Texas-style flavor to ribs, grilled meats, and vegetarian mains alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Sauce:
- 1 can (12 oz) Dr Pepper
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or vegan substitute)
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Liquids: In a medium saucepan, whisk together Dr Pepper, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and molasses until smooth.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in mustard, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne (if using).
- Simmer Gently: Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Reduce Sauce: Let simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Blend (Optional): Use an immersion blender for a smoother texture.
- Cool and Store: Let cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Customize sweetness by adjusting sugar or using sugar-free ketchup.
- Substitute molasses with maple syrup for a lighter sweetness.
- Freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 60kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg