Florida BBQ Sauce
Florida BBQ Sauce is a vibrant, citrus forward twist on classic American barbecue sauce, inspired by the Sunshine State’s love for bold, fresh flavours. Made with a blend of ketchup, fresh orange and lemon juice, brown sugar, honey, and warm spices, it delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky with a gentle heat.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Citrus juicer
- Microplane or fine grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Heat resistant spatula
Ingredients
- 240 g tomato ketchup
- 120 g fresh orange juice about 2–3 oranges
- 120 g fresh lemon juice
- 60 g apple cider vinegar
- 55 g brown sugar
- 40 g honey
- 20 g molasses
- 2 g smoked paprika
- 3 g garlic powder
- 1.5 g onion powder
- 1 g ground mustard
- Salt to taste
- 14 g butter or olive oil
- 6 g freshly grated orange zest
- 4 g freshly grated lemon zest
- 1 –4 g crushed red pepper flakes adjust to heat preference
- 15 g Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Start The Flavor Base
- Melt the butter or warm the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and ground mustard. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, just until everything smells warm and fragrant.
Step 2: Make The Sauce
- Pour in the ketchup, orange juice, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, molasses, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk well so the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
Step 3: Let It Simmer
- Turn the heat down to low and let the sauce gently simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes. Stir now and then to keep it from sticking. Once it starts to thicken, stir in the orange zest, lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt to taste.
Step 4: Cool And Store
- Take the pan off the heat and let the sauce rest for about 10 minutes. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.