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Most store-bought BBQ sauces are pretty bland and uninspiring. However, with a few simple tweaks, we can show you how to improve store bought BBQ sauce to turn that sauce from drab to fab. By adding fresh herbs, spices and a touch of sweetness, you can create a sauce that is both flavorful and unique. Not only will this make your BBQs more enjoyable, but it will also make the sauce last longer in your fridge.
Problems With Store Bought BBQ Sauce
The first step to improving store-bought BBQ sauce is understanding what it is.
Taste
Store-bought BBQ sauce is usually made with vinegar, ketchup, sugar and spices. While this combination can create a tasty sauce, it often lacks depth and complexity. As a result, many people find store-bought BBQ sauce to be too sweet, too acidic or just plain boring.
This is not to say there are not quality store bought barbecue sauces. In fact I recently ranked the best store bought BBQ sauces for a variety of styles. It’s just that with a little effort, we can take a store bought sauce from tasting good to terrific!
Stickiness
Often store bought sauces can be thin and watery, making them difficult to stick to food. This can be frustrating when you’re trying to get that perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavor on your grilled meats. If your sauce has this problem see my guide on How to Thicken Your BBQ Sauce.
Thickness
Another common issue with store-bought BBQ sauce is its thickness, or lack thereof. Some sauces can be so thin that they run right off your food, while others can be so thick that they obscure the flavor of what you’re trying to BBQ.
Benefits of Bottled Barbecue Sauce
The main benefit of store-bought BBQ sauce is its convenience. It’s easy to find and usually inexpensive, making it a great option for those who want to save time and money.
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Another advantage of store-bought sauce is that it can be used as a base for your own custom barbecue sauce. By adding your own spices, herbs and other ingredients, you can create a sauce that is uniquely yours.
This also allows you to experiment with different flavor profiles until you find one that you really love. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of recipes available online or in cookbooks.
Tips on How To Improve Store Bought BBQ Sauce
Here are a few tips on how to make store bought BBQ sauce better:
Add Fresh Herbs
Improve the flavor of store bought or home cooked meals by adding fresh herbs. Fresh herbs can be bought at the grocery store or easily grown at home. They can be used to add flavor to soups, stews, casseroles, and sauces.` Improve the flavor of store bought or home cooked meals by adding fresh herbs. Fresh herbs can be bought at the grocery store or easily grown at home. They can be used to add flavor to soups, stews, casseroles, and sauces.
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For example, if a recipe calls for dried oregano, try using fresh oregano instead. Or, if a dish needs a boost of flavor, add a small handful of chopped fresh herbs. Fresh herbs are also a great way to garnish a meal. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top of soup or add a sprig of rosemary to roasted vegetables. Not only will your meal look more appetizing, but it will also taste better. So next time you are in the kitchen, reach for some fresh herbs and watch as your meal transforms from ordinary to extraordinary.
Spice It Up
If you find store bought BBQ sauce to be too bland, try adding some extra spices. A little bit of cayenne pepper or different chili powders can go a long way in terms of flavor. Just be careful not to add too much, as you don’t want to make the sauce too spicy. Another option is to add a spice blend, such as Cajun seasoning or Italian seasoning. These blends are great for giving food a flavor boost without having to add a bunch of different spices individually.
Remove Some Sweetness
Most store bought BBQ sauces are quite sweet, so if you find them to be too cloying, try adding a touch of acidity. This can be in the form of vinegar, lemon juice or lime juice. Just a small amount will go a long way in terms of flavor. If you want to add a touch of sweetness without making the sauce too sweet, try adding a bit of honey or molasses. These ingredients will also help to thicken the sauce.
Add Smokiness
Adding some liquid smoke to most bottled sauces will add smoky notes and complexity along with a smoky flavor. A little goes a long way, so start with just a few drops and increase the amount to taste. You can also add smoked paprika or chipotle pepper for a smoky flavor without adding liquid smoke.
Another way you can a super smoky flavor to your sauce is to raid your liquor cabinet for some bourbon or whisky. Just a splash will do the trick.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This is a great way to add acidity and brightness to store bought BBQ sauce. Just add a couple of tablespoons and taste as you go. If the sauce is still too sweet, continue adding in half teaspoon increments. You can also use white vinegar, but apple cider vinegar will add a touch of sweetness to the bottled stuff
How to make store bought BBQ sauce sticky
One way to make store bought barbecue sauce more sticky is to add some sugar. This will help the sauce to adhere to food better. You can also add cornstarch or flour to thicken the sauce and make it more sticky. Just be sure not to add too much, as this will make the sauce too thick and difficult to spread.
Another option is to cook the sauce down so that it reduces and becomes more concentrated. This will also make it more sticky.
How to make store bought BBQ sauce thicker
If you find store bought barbecue sauce to be too thin, there are a few ways to thicken it up. One option is to add some tomato paste. This will give the sauce a richer flavor and make it thicker. Another option is to add some cornstarch or flour. Just be sure not to add too much, as this will make the sauce too thick and difficult to spread.
Another option is to cook the sauce down so that it reduces and becomes more concentrated. This will also make it thicker.
Wrapping Up
These are just a few tips on how to make store bought barbecue sauce better. By adding fresh herbs, spices, and a touch of sweetness or acidity, you can take this common condiment and turn it into something special. So next time you’re at the store, pick up a bottle of BBQ sauce and put these tips to use.
Common Questions
Below are some additional questions that you may have about how to improve store bought BBQ sauce.
How can I make store bought BBQ sauce more flavorful?
One way to make store bought BBQ sauce more flavorful is to add fresh herbs. You can also add extra spices, such as cayenne pepper or chili powder. Another option is to add a spice blend, such as Cajun seasoning or Italian seasoning.
Another way to make the sauce more flavorful is to add a touch of acidity. This can be in the form of vinegar, lemon juice or lime juice. Just a small amount will go a long way in terms of flavor. If you want to add a touch of sweetness without making the sauce too sweet, try adding a bit of honey or molasses. These ingredients will also help to thicken the sauce.
How to spice up store bought BBQ sauce?
If you find store bought BBQ sauce to be too bland, try adding some extra spices. A little bit of cayenne pepper or chili powder can go a long way in terms of flavor. Just be careful not to add too much, as you don’t want to make the sauce too spicy.
Another option is to add a spice blend, such as Cajun seasoning or Italian seasoning. These blends are great for giving food a flavor boost without having to add a bunch of different spices individually.
Can You Add Bourbon to Store Bought BBQ Sauce?
Of course, bourbon makes everything better. Just kidding (sort of). While you can certainly add bourbon to store bought bottled BBQ sauce, it’s important to use a good quality bourbon so that the flavor is not overwhelmed by the sauce. You’ll also want to be careful not to add too much, as this can make the sauce too boozy.
If you’re looking for a great bourbon, see our Bourbon BBQ Pairing guide.
Can I Freeze Store Bought BBQ Sauce?
Yes, store bought BBQ sauce can be frozen. Just be sure to place it in a freezer-safe container and use it within 6 months for best quality.
When freezing bottled barbecue sauces, the sauce may separate and thicken. To fix this, just place the frozen sauce in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. You can also add a little water to thin it out if needed.
How Do I Make Sweet Baby Ray’s Store Bought Sauce Better?
One way to make Sweet Baby Ray’s store bought sauce better is to add a touch of acidity. This can be in the form of vinegar, lemon juice or other fresh fruit juice such as lime juice. Just a small amount will go a long way in terms of flavor. I have also used hot sauce with great results. The hot sauce will also add some heat to the tomato base, so be careful not to add too much.
If you want to add a touch of sweetness to bottled BBQ sauce without making the sauce too sweet, try adding a bit of honey, brown sugar or molasses. These ingredients will also help to thicken the sauce.
Another way to make the bottled sauce more flavorful is to add fresh herbs. You can also add extra spices, such as ground cayenne pepper or chili powder. Another great option is to add Worcestershire sauce , which will add a savory depth of flavor. Just be careful not to add too much, as this sauce is already quite salty.
As always, you can also add a touch of bourbon to take things up a notch. Just be sure to use a good quality bourbon so that the flavor is not overwhelmed by the sauce. You’ll also want to be careful not to add too much, as this can make the sauce too boozy.
How do you stretch barbecue sauce?
Add two parts of ketchup with beef broth to make a beef barbecue sauce or one part chicken broth to grill chicken or beef. Mix 1/2 cup of Ketchup mix with 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce at a time, tasting each one of them to ensure consistency.
How do I reheat BBQ sauce?
Heat it for about 10 minutes on one side and then bubble up. Whether its for cooking or smokers. Is it possible to pour the sauce into a grate on your firebox but the flames are hot? I suggest having an oven grill to sizzle.
How do you make BBQ sauce less vinegary?
Add brown sugar to barbecue sauces to reduce lactic acid. It’s rich in sweetness and dissolves quickly in the sauce. Add a bit at a time with teaspoons and keep tasting for consistency of sweetness of the dish.
You can also try some onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, or garlic powder. Onion powder will help balance out the flavors. If you find that your sauce is still too vinegary for your taste, you can also add some citrus juice like orange juice or fresh maple syrup to help sweeten it up.
