James River Bbq Sauce Recipe
Prepare to be transported into a world of tantalizing flavors.
Master the art of crafting your own James River BBQ Sauce—a harmonious blend of tanginess and sweetness, complemented by subtle smokiness.
Get ready to embark on a flavor-filled journey that will redefine your barbecue experiences forever. Let’s dive in together!
How To Make James River Bbq Sauce
And let me tell you, few sauces can compete with the tangy and delicious James River BBQ Sauce. I first discovered James River BBQ Sauce on a road trip through Virginia.
We stumbled upon a little roadside barbecue joint that boasted the “best pork in the state,” and it did not disappoint. But what stole the show was the tangy and flavorful sauce that accompanied the succulent pork.
From that moment on, I was determined to recreate that sauce at home. And after many attempts and tweaks, I finally perfected my recipe that rivals the original.
What I love most about James River BBQ Sauce is its versatility. While it’s a natural match for pork, I’ve used it on everything from grilled chicken to roasted vegetables, and it never fails to impress.
Ingredients of James River Bbq Sauce
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- pinch of black pepper
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Step-by-Step Guide
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the tomato ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined and the brown sugar has dissolved completely.
Place the saucepan on medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After 15 minutes, remove the lid and continue simmering the sauce for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. Add more cayenne pepper for a spicier kick or more honey for added sweetness.
Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature.
Different Uses of James River Bbq Sauce
As a marinade: Coat your beef with the sauce and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. This will flavor and moisten the beef.
As a basting sauce: Brush it on beef in the last few minutes of cooking. This will flavor and glaze the beef.
As a dipping sauce: Serve it with grilled or smoked foods. This lets guests customize their sauce and introduces them to James River BBQ Sauce’s spicy flavor.
As a topping: Drizzle the sauce over your meal. This is great on pulled pork, burgers, and grilled poultry.
Can I adjust the spice level of James River BBQ Sauce?
Yes! If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add more cayenne pepper or black pepper to the recipe. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or black pepper.
How To Store James River Bbq Sauce
Allow the sauce to cool completely: Before storing the sauce, make sure it has cooled down to room temperature.
Transfer to an airtight container: Pour the sauce into an airtight container such as a glass jar or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.
Label and date the container: Write the date on the container and label it with the name of the sauce. This will help you keep track of how long the sauce has been stored.
Refrigerate: Store the sauce in the refrigerator. This will help keep it fresh and prevent bacterial growth.
Use within 1-2 weeks: Homemade James River BBQ Sauce should be used within 1-2 weeks for the best quality and freshness. Discard any leftover sauce after this time period.
James River Bbq Sauce Variations
Spicier version: If you prefer a spicier sauce, try adding a tablespoon of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the recipe.
Sweet and tangy version: For a sweeter and tangier version, add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the sauce.
Mustard-based version: If you love mustard, try adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a tangy twist.
Smokier version: To add a smoky flavor to the sauce, try adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
Apple cider vinegar version: Instead of white vinegar, use apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter and fruitier flavor.
James River Bbq Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups Tomato Ketchup
- 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 4 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Yellow Mustard
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika
- 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the tomato ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined and the brown sugar has dissolved completely.
- Place the saucepan on medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 15 minutes, remove the lid and continue simmering the sauce for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. Add more cayenne pepper for a spicier kick or more honey for added sweetness.
- Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature.
