Basic Barbecue Sauce

This basic sauce recipe is easy to double if you are feeding a crowd or just want to have some on hand in the fridge.

Makes 2 Cups
Hands-On Time: 7 Minutes
Total Preparation Time: 27 Minutes

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 garlic clove
2 cups ketchup
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon Creole Seasoning, homemade or store-bought
2 teaspoons dry mustard
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until hot; reduce the heat to low and press the garlic (about 1 teaspoon) into the oil. Sauté it for about 1 minute or until it just begins to turn golden.

Add the ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Creole seasoning, and mustard. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat; reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce, partially covered to reduce spattering, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add salt and pepper to taste. Use as directed in a recipe or transfer to a nonreactive jar or bowl, cover, and refrigerate until you are ready to use it.