Memphis-Style BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
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6 oz tomato paste
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1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
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1/2 cup water (adjust to thin)
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1/3 cup brown sugar
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1 tablespoon molasses
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2 teaspoons yellow mustard or 1 tsp dry mustard
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika if you like)
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional but traditional)
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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Optional: pinch of celery seed or a dash of hot sauce
Instructions
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Combine tomato paste, vinegar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until smooth.
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Stir in sugar, molasses, mustard, Worcestershire, and all spices.
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Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
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Simmer 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
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Taste and adjust—Memphis sauce should have a little vinegar tang, a little spice, and a hint of sweetness, but nothing overpowering.
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Cool, then store in the fridge. Lasts about a week, or freeze in batches.