Sizzling BBQ Sauce with Bacon and Onion Flavor

Ingredients

• 2 pieces of crispy bacon
• Finely chopped half of a big onion
• A single clove of garlic, finely minced
• A generous cup of rich ketchup
• Quarter cup of sweet molasses
• Two tablespoons of firmly packed brown sugar
• Two tablespoons of tangy cider vinegar
• Two tablespoons of flavorful Worcestershire sauce
• Two tablespoons of zesty Dijon mustard
• Two teaspoons of aromatic liquid smoke
• One teaspoon of spicy chili powder
• One teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce (like Cholula®)
• Half a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

Step 1

Begin by arranging strips of bacon in a spacious skillet and allow them to sizzle over medium-high heat. Make sure to flip them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly, typically requiring around 10 minutes until they boast a deliciously browned appearance. Next, introduce the finely chopped onions into the mix and decrease the heat to a gentle medium-low setting. Let the onions slowly cook down to a soft, almost mushy consistency, which should take about 7 to 10 minutes.

Step 2

Once the onions have reached the desired texture, it's time to infuse the dish with even more flavor. Toss in minced garlic, cooking until its enticing aroma fills the air, usually just around a minute.

Step 3

Now comes the exciting part - enhancing the concoction with a medley of ingredients: ketchup for a tangy kick, molasses for depth, brown sugar for sweetness, cider vinegar for a hint of acidity, Worcestershire sauce for umami notes, Dijon mustard for a touch of heat, a hint of liquid smoke for that authentic BBQ flavor, a dash of hot sauce for a fiery punch, and a sprinkle of black pepper for added zing.

Step 4

Stir the mixture well until all the components harmonize, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it simmer away for about 15 minutes, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld beautifully together.