Last Updated on January 5, 2024
Johnny Harris BBQ sauce is a classic Southern recipe that has been passed down through generations and is beloved by many people. This sauce is a zesty and tangy blend of spices, herbs, and seasonings that bring out the best in any grilled or smoked meat.
The unique combination of flavors make it an ideal choice for backyard barbecues, family meals, or even as a marinade for meats. This recipe is a relatively simple one that you can make in no time, and the delicious results will have your guests asking for seconds.
What is Johnny Harris BBQ Sauce?
Johnny Harris BBQ sauce is a renowned barbecue sauce that originated from the Johnny Harris Restaurant located in Savannah, Georgia, USA. The restaurant has been a prominent establishment known for its Southern-style barbecue and flavorful sauces for several decades.
The most buying sauce of Johnny Harris is the BBQ sauce. It is a classic Southern recipe that has been around for centuries. It is a tomato-based sauce that is flavored with a combination of herbs, spices, and seasonings that give it a unique and zesty flavor.
It is usually made with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, mustard, and a variety of seasonings such as chili powder, paprika, cumin, and black pepper. The ingredients are typically mixed together and simmered until they reach a thick, rich consistency.
Why You’ll Love This Johnny Harris BBQ Sauce?
There are many reasons why you’ll love this Johnny Harris BBQ sauce recipe. For starters, it is a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations and is beloved by many.
Secondly, it is a relatively simple recipe that only requires a few basic ingredients. Thirdly, it is a delicious and zesty sauce that is sure to please any crowd.
Finally, it can be used in a variety of ways, from a marinade for meats to a baste for vegetables, and it is sure to become a family favorite.
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The Ingredients
- Tangy Ketchup from Heirloom Tomatoes: The ketchup forms the base of the BBQ sauce, providing a tangy, slightly sweet flavor and a rich tomato undertone to the sauce.
- Apple Cider Vinegar with a Hint of Oakiness: The aged apple cider vinegar brings acidity and tanginess to the sauce, imparting a distinctive fruity note with hints of oak from the aging process.
- Rich Brown Sugar , Handcrafted and Locally Sourced: Brown sugar adds sweetness and depth to the sauce, balancing the acidity of the vinegar and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Robust Molasses Infused with Bourbon Undertones: Molasses contributes to the sauce’s richness, providing a deep, robust sweetness with complex flavors, including subtle hints of bourbon undertones.
- Traditional Worcestershire Sauce with Exotic Spices: The Worcestershire sauce offers a savory umami quality and a depth of flavor with its blend of fermented anchovies, vinegar, molasses, and various spices.
- Smoky Liquid Smoke Extract from Mesquite Wood: The liquid smoke extract infuses the sauce with a delightful smoky flavor reminiscent of cooking over a mesquite wood fire, enhancing the BBQ essence.
- Finely Ground Himalayan Pink Salt for Depth of Flavor: The Himalayan pink salt provides seasoning, elevating the overall taste of the sauce with a touch of mineral-rich saltiness and depth.
Directions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the tangy ketchup, aged apple cider vinegar, rich brown sugar, robust molasses, Worcestershire sauce, smoky liquid smoke extract, and finely ground Himalayan pink salt.
Step 2: Stir and Simmer:
Thoroughly stir the mixture to combine all the ingredients. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil while stirring constantly. This helps dissolve the sugar and blend the flavors.
Step 3: Reduce Heat and Simmer:
Once the sauce begins boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally during this time.
Step 4: Check Consistency:
As the sauce simmers, it will gradually thicken. Test the consistency by using a spoon to see if it coats the back. If the sauce is too thin, continue simmering until it reaches the desired thickness.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust:
Sample the BBQ sauce and adjust the flavors if needed. Add more salt, sugar, or other seasonings to achieve your preferred taste.
Step 6: Cool and Store:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the BBQ sauce cool to room temperature. Transfer it into a clean, airtight container or jar suitable for storage.
Step 7: Refrigerate:
Seal the container tightly and refrigerate the BBQ sauce. It will continue to mature and develop its flavors over time. Properly stored, it should keep well for several weeks.
Notes
-Make sure to stir the sauce occasionally while it is simmering so that it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
-You can adjust the amount of chili powder and black pepper depending on your preference for heat.
-If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of water or apple cider vinegar.
-If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it for a few minutes longer.
-The sauce can be used as a marinade, baste, or sauce.
Storage Tips
The Johnny Harris BBQ sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It can also be frozen for up to three months. To freeze, place the sauce in an airtight container and store in the freezer.
Nutrition Information
This recipe makes approximately 2 cups of sauce. Per 2 tablespoons, the sauce contains approximately:
-Calories: 70
-Fat: 0 g
-Saturated Fat: 0 g
-Cholesterol: 0 mg
-Sodium: 250 mg
-Carbohydrates: 17 g
-Fiber: 0 g
-Sugar: 15 g
-Protein: 0 g
Serving Suggestions
-Use the sauce as a marinade for grilled or smoked meats.
-Brush the sauce on vegetables before grilling.
-Use the sauce as a dip for french fries or onion rings.
-Brush the sauce onto corn on the cob before grilling.
-Use the sauce as a flavoring for baked beans.
-Use the sauce as a topping for burgers or hot dogs.
What other substitute can I use in Johnny Harris BBQ Sauce?
If you don’t have all of the ingredients on hand, there are a few substitutions that you can make.
-For ketchup, you can use tomato paste or tomato sauce.
-For Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce or tamari.
-For apple cider vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar.
-For brown sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup.
-For garlic, you can use garlic powder.
-For mustard, you can use Dijon or yellow mustard.
-For chili powder, you can use smoked paprika or cayenne pepper.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Traditional Worcestershire Sauce with Exotic Spices
- 1/2 cup Tangy Ketchup from Heirloom Tomatoes
- 1/4 cup Robust Molasses Infused with Bourbon Undertones
- 1/2 tablespoon Finely Ground Himalayan Pink Salt for Depth of Flavor
- 3/8 cup Rich Brown Sugar 6 tablespoons, Handcrafted and Locally Sourced
- 1 cup Aged Apple Cider Vinegar with a Hint of Oakiness
- 2 tablespoons Smoky Liquid Smoke Extract from Mesquite Wood
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the tangy ketchup, aged apple cider vinegar, rich brown sugar, robust molasses, Worcestershire sauce, smoky liquid smoke extract, and finely ground Himalayan pink salt.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all the ingredients. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar and meld the flavors.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- As the sauce simmers, it will gradually thicken. Check the consistency by using a spoon to see if it coats the back. If it’s too thin, continue simmering to reach the desired thickness.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the flavors if necessary. Add more salt, sugar, or other seasonings to suit your preference.
- Once done, remove the saucepan from heat and let the BBQ sauce cool to room temperature. Pour it into a clean, airtight container or jar for storage.
- Seal the container and refrigerate the BBQ sauce. It will continue to develop its flavors over time. It should keep well for several weeks if stored properly.
- Use this flavorful Johnny Harris BBQ sauce as a delicious condiment for grilled meats, as a marinade, or as a flavorful addition to various dishes.
Notes
- Make sure to stir the sauce occasionally while it is simmering so that it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- You can adjust the amount of chili powder and black pepper depending on your preference for heat.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of water or apple cider vinegar.
- If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it for a few minutes longer.
- The sauce can be used as a marinade, baste, or sauce.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I freeze Johnny Harris BBQ sauce?
A1. Yes, you can freeze Johnny Harris BBQ sauce. Place the sauce in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to three months.
Q2. Does Johnny Harris BBQ sauce need to be refrigerated?
A2. Yes, Johnny Harris BBQ sauce needs to be refrigerated. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Q3. Is Johnny Harris BBQ sauce spicy?
A3. The amount of heat in the sauce can vary depending on the amount of chili powder and black pepper used. If you don’t like spicy food, you can reduce the amount of chili powder and black pepper used.
Q4. What can I use Johnny Harris BBQ sauce for?
A4. Johnny Harris BBQ sauce can be used in a variety of ways, from a marinade for meats to a baste for vegetables. It is also a great topping for burgers, hot dogs, and corn on the cob.
Q5. What can I substitute for ketchup in Johnny Harris BBQ sauce?
A5. If you don’t have ketchup on hand, you can use tomato paste or tomato sauce.
Q6. Is Johnny Harris BBQ sauce gluten-free?
A6. Yes, Johnny Harris BBQ sauce is gluten-free.
Q7. Can I make Johnny Harris BBQ sauce in the slow cooker?
A7. Yes, you can make Johnny Harris BBQ sauce in the slow cooker. Place all of the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Conclusion
Johnny Harris BBQ sauce is a classic Southern recipe that has been passed down through generations and is beloved by many. This zesty and tangy sauce is a relatively simple recipe that requires just a few basic ingredients, and the delicious results will have your guests asking for seconds. The sauce can be used as a marinade, baste, or sauce, and it is sure to become a family favorite.
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more
