Mesa BBQ Sauce Recipe
The Mesa BBQ Sauce Recipe is a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet barbecue sauce inspired by Southwestern flavours. Made with ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, molasses, honey, and a blend of spices like smoked paprika, ancho and pasilla chili powders, chipotle, and cumin, it delivers a bold, layered flavor with a gentle heat.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender or immersion blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup vinegar white or apple cider
- ⅓ cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
- 1 tablespoon pasilla chili powder
- ½ medium red onion finely chopped
- 1 –2 chipotle peppers
- ½ cup water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1 – Get Everything Ready:
- Chop the red onion finely and gather all your spices. If you’re using whole chipotle peppers, give them a rough chop.
Step 2 – Cook The Onion And Chipotle:
- Heat a splash of water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until it softens. Toss in the chopped chipotle peppers and cook for another minute to bring out their smoky flavor.
Step 3 – Mix In The Sauces And Sweeteners:
- Pour in the ketchup, tomato sauce, vinegar, molasses, honey, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
Step 4 – Add Spices And Simmer:
- Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne, and the ancho and pasilla chili powders. Add ½ cup of water, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat. Let it cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens slightly.
Step 5 – Blend And Taste:
- Puree the sauce with a blender or immersion blender until smooth. Taste and tweak the seasoning add a pinch more salt, a touch of sweetness, or a little extra heat if you like. Let it cool a bit before serving.