This easy Ruben Santana BBQ Sauce is super quick to make and delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors.

Since first sharing my BBQ Sauce recipes with you last month (Bill Miller BBQ Sauce, Wendy’s BBQ Sauce), I received fantastic reviews. Just like me, many of you enjoyed trying those recipes. Because of that, I decided to share one more. I can say it’s my favorite BBQ sauce, called Ruben Santana BBQ Sauce. It’s rich in flavor and perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of sweetness and smokiness. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients.

You can customize the sweetness and the spices to suit your taste, making it a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire.

Personally, I love using this sauce on grilled ribs, as a glaze for chicken, and mixed into pulled pork. It’s also amazing on burgers and as a dip for baked beans. I’m sure you’ll become a fan of this sauce just as much as I am.

What is Ruben Santana BBQ Sauce?

Ruben Santana BBQ Sauce is a flavorful and versatile barbecue sauce known for its balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky elements. Made with ingredients like ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and honey, it offers a rich and robust taste.

This sauce is perfect for grilling, marinating, and enhancing a variety of dishes, making it a favorite among barbecue enthusiasts.

How to make Ruben Santana BBQ Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons molasses

Instructions

Step 1:

In a medium saucepan, mix ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).

Step 2:

Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture occasionally as it begins to heat up.

Step 3:

Once the sauce starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

Step 4:

Stir in the honey and molasses. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5:

Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Tips

• If you prefer a sweeter BBQ sauce, increase the amount of honey or molasses. For a less sweet sauce, reduce these ingredients to your taste.

• For an extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke. This will give your BBQ sauce a deeper, more authentic smoky taste.

• If you like your BBQ sauce with more heat, add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. Taste as you go to achieve the desired level of spiciness.

How to use Ruben Santana Barbecue Sauce

I know the Ruben Santana BBQ Sauce is usually used for grilling meats, but I really love to use it as a flavorful glaze for ribs, chicken, and pork chops during the last few minutes of grilling. It also adds a fantastic taste when mixed with pulled pork for a tangy, smoky flavor.

Additionally, you can spread the sauce on your burger buns or mix it into ground beef for a juicy, flavorful burger. For a sweet and tangy twist, try stirring it into baked beans, using it as a glaze on meatloaf before baking, or replacing traditional tomato sauce on your pizza with this BBQ sauce.

How to store

To store Ruben Santana BBQ Sauce, transfer it to an airtight container or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Place the container in the refrigerator, where it can be kept fresh for up to two weeks. Before using, give the sauce a good stir to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or red wine vinegar, but the flavor may vary slightly.

Is there a way to make this sauce less sweet?

Reduce the amount of brown sugar, honey, and molasses to achieve a less sweet sauce.

Can I make this sauce spicier?

Absolutely. Add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to increase the heat.

Can I use Ruben Santana BBQ Sauce for marinating?

Yes, you can use it as a marinade for meats. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

Most ingredients are gluten-free, but check labels on soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce to ensure they don’t contain gluten. Use gluten-free versions if needed.