Skip to main content

Honey-Garlic Tomato Sauce

This is an all-purpose barbecue sauce, with a distinct garlic and tomato flavor. We have used this recipe to rave reviews at the James Beard Foundation and the American Institute of Wine and Food’s “Best Ribs in America” competition. Use it as a finishing glaze or serve it on the side as a dip for any type of barbecue.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 2 quarts

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon fresh minced garlic
4 cups ketchup
1 1/3 cups dark brown sugar
1 cup vinegar
1 cup apple juice
1/4 cup honey
1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tablespoon liquid smoke
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon celery seed

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat the olive oil in a large nonreactive saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and lightly sauté. Stir in the remaining ingredients and heat until the sauce bubbles and starts to steam. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature. Transfer to a tightly covered jar or plastic container and store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

  2. Cooking Method

    Step 2

    Stove

Big Bob Gibson's BBQ Book Cover
Big Bob Gibson's BBQ Book by Chris Lilly. Copyright © 2009 by Chris Lilly. Published by Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.
Read More
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like carrot farro salad and chicken paella.
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
A crowd-friendly, crisp-edged chicken and vegetable rice from chef José Andrés.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.