Sweet and Sour Honey-Mustard Barbecue Sauce

FOR TRADITIONAL BARBECUE, CONTEMPORARY SMOKED FOOD, & GRILLED DISHES

Inspiration for this sauce comes from the Salt Lick, a barbecue bastion just outside Austin. The sauce actually strikes us as too sweet for Texas brisket and other beef, but we think it pairs perfectly with pork. The sauce’s flavor reminds us of the poppy seed dressing that has topped many a salad in Texas over the years. If you don’t want to bother grating an onion on the side of your cheese grater, you can substitute onion powder. In this case, however, we prefer the real thing.

Sweet and Sour Honey-Mustard Barbecue Sauce is a delectable and versatile condiment that adds a perfect balance of flavors to a variety of dishes, especially those featuring pork. This sauce combines the sweetness of honey with the tangy zing of mustard, creating a delightful and complex taste that will elevate your barbecue game.

The base of this sauce is made with a mixture of cider vinegar, honey, dried mustard powder, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, sweet paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and a pinch of ground cloves. Blended together in a food processor or blender, these ingredients create a smooth and creamy sauce that clings well to grilled or smoked meats.

One of the great things about this sauce is its versatility. It can be used in various ways to enhance your dishes. As a marinade, it imparts a sweet and tangy flavor to the meat, ensuring it stays moist and tender throughout the cooking process. Alternatively, you can use it as a finishing sauce, drizzling it over the cooked pork just before serving to add a burst of flavor.

Whether you’re grilling pork chops, slow-cooking a rack of ribs, or preparing pulled pork sandwiches, this Sweet and Sour Honey-Mustard Barbecue Sauce will take your dishes to the next level. Plus, the sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks, making it a convenient go-to condiment for all your barbecue needs. So, get ready to elevate your pork dishes with this delightful and easy-to-make sauce that will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.

MAKES: ABOUT 2 CUPS

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup cider vinegar
• ½ cup mild-flavored honey
• 2 teaspoons dried mustard powder
• 2 teaspoons grated onion
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground dried ginger
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt or coarse sea salt
• Pinch of ground cloves
• 1 cup vegetable oil or sunflower oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a food processor or blender, combine the cider vinegar, honey, dried mustard, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, sweet paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and ground cloves.
2. Process the mixture until well blended and smooth.
3. While the processor is running, drizzle in the vegetable oil or sunflower oil in a slow, steady stream until all of it is fully incorporated. This will emulsify the sauce and give it a creamy texture.
4. The sauce is now ready to use. You can serve it at room temperature or warm it over low heat before using it on or alongside cuts of pork.
5. Store any leftover sauce in a covered container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for several weeks, so you can enjoy it with multiple meals.