Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce
My sister came to visit a week ago and we were trying to figure out something for dinner. We both love BBQ, and so Mrs. Pep Chef, suggested we use the really good Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce I had created.
My favorite kind of BBQ sauce is tangy, so I thought this would be a great recipe to share.
Mrs. Pep Chef really doesn't like BBQ sauce, but when I put this on the ribs I smoked she said it was amazing!!
The thing that's really nice about this recipe is that we usually have most of the ingredients in the kitchen , so it's easy to prepare at the last minute vs having to go shopping for everything.
First and foremost, pop open a can of Dr Pepper, pour over a glass of ice , and drink before you start your cooking. One thing I love is ice. So much so, for my Birthday, Mrs Pep Chef bought me an ice machine that produces restaurant grade ice. It was one ( if not the best) presents I've ever gotten from my wife. I think it makes my cooking better!
I like prepping everything ahead of time so that I know that I have all the ingredients, plus, I don't have to stop 1/2 way through the recipe to prepare something.
I'm new to the whole cooking thing and so I try to make it as easy as possible or I won't attempt to do it.
I digress, so I measure out the ketchup and tomato paste. I measure out the liquid smoke and the Worcestershire (do you keep this in the fridge or the cabinet? ) I googled it.. you don't have to keep in the fridge unless you don't use it that often.. then it will keep it fresher longer. (I like to pass along helpful knowledge as I find it).
I'm not a huge fan of spicy things, I'm more of a mild spice with sweet finish kind of guy... but don't be afraid to Mexican chilly powder in , if you like more spice.
The other thing I really like about this recipe besides being easy, is that you just measure everything out and dump it in the pan.
I look for a good size pan, figure that you need a pan that will hold 5 -6 cups or so . I use a wooden spoon to stir most things except for this sauce as it will stain your wooden spoons so I use a metal spoon , bigger spoon to stir and taste with.
Make sure you use a timer on all of these timed procedures. You won't burn it and it will thicken properly. However, don't forget your patience, because it takes about 30 minutes to thicken and turn in to the sauce that you will amaze your friends with.
After you cook it for 20-30 minutes, then take it off the burner and let it cool a little. Once you do this, it's ready to use!!!
Make sure you have your coals all heated up or your pellet BBQ going. Open a new can of Dr Pepper over a glass of ice and enjoy! Remember, add the sauce only the last 10-15 minutes of cooking whatever meat you choose. And please let me know how it goes for you or any tricks you can share.
DR. PEP CHEF’S BBQ SAUCE
MAKES 2 CUPS
INGREDIENTS:
12 oz Dr. Pepper
2 cups ketchup
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
INSTUCTIONS:
1) Add all of the measured ingredients, cooking for about 15 minutes on low.
Cooking the sauce slowly will allow the flavors to blend together.
2) Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, stirring the pot continually until it starts to thicken. (to check to see if it’s thickening, take some out of the pan with the spoon and let it drip back in the pan, you will see that it’s thickening or needs more time to cook by doing this.
3) Don’t be afraid to taste the sauce along the way. You may want more Salt or Chili powder or to make it sweeter you might to by add more Brown Sugar, or tangier by adding more Tomato Paste.
4) After it is thickened, cool the sauce by taking it off the stove .
5) Use a basting brush to brush the sauce on to your meat 5 – 15 minutes before the meat is finished cooking.
6) This sauce will be good for 2 weeks. So put it in an airtight container when done and store it in the fridge or give it to your friends.
