EDITOR’S NOTE (February 23, 2020): PIN here on Pinterest. Easy recipe for Smoky Bacon Jam is at the end of instructions.
Smoky Sauce is excellent for dipping chicken nuggets, french fries and onion rings. Also use on burgers and hotdogs. Superb for individuals who are allergic to ketchup.
Allow me to share the inspiration for this recipe.
In 2017, I stopped eating red tomatoes after suddenly developing a serious allergic reaction.
One day, I decided to eat a diced fresh tomato. After one bite, I was ill. I’ll spare you the details.
Thankfully, I recovered from that very unpleasant experience. Declared no more red tomatoes or anything made with red tomatoes… which included ketchup.
Liquid Smoke is a key ingredient in Smoky Sauce. It’s affordable and loaded with flavor. Pictured is my favorite brand. This is NOT a paid endorsement. Just a friendly mention.
Although I don’t eat tomatoes, I regularly use them in recipes because my precious aunt LOVES tomatoes.
Her favorite is a tomato sandwich. Homegirl loves thinly sliced tomatoes sandwiched between white bread slathered with mayo.
One summer day, I had the pleasure of watching my aunt devour a tomato sandwich with pure joy. She loved each and every bite. The next time, I plan to take several photos!!
I experimented until Smoky Sauce was perfected. It’s a superb substitute for ketchup. Great on bacon, burgers, fried chicken, ribs, and ham sandwiches. Also perfect dip for fries and onion rings.
I drizzle a LOT on my homemade Smoky Burgers. Tastes better than ketchup in my humble opinion.
Helpful Tips
Pour Smoky Sauce into a tightly sealed container before placing in fridge. Keep well for about 14 days.
If sauce is cooked too long, it will form a paste in the fridge. It’s still good! Simply warm in microwave for 5 to 8 seconds to make it thin enough to drizzle.
Serving Suggestion
Drizzle hot Smoky Sauce over your favorite baked or fried chicken nuggets.
Enjoy!

Prep Time | 15 minutes |
Cook Time | 1 minute |
Servings |
cup
|
- 4 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1-1/2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup stone ground mustard
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon Liquid Smoke See Recipe Notes.
- 1-1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar Or use lemon juice.
- 2 teaspoons water
Ingredients
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- In a small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar (packed) and all ingredients.
- Stir constantly for one minute over medium heat until edges bubble.
- Immediately turn off heat. Stir again. Let stand. Sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
- NOTE: Taste cooled sauce. If desired, stir in remaining 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar. If too sweet, add 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Stir and taste again.
- Makes about 1/3 cup. Recipe easily doubled. Store in lidded container. Keep refrigerated.
- NOTE: If cooked longer than 1 minute, sauce will form a thick paste after it cools. To soften, microwave for 5 seconds to make it thin enough to drizzle.
- Crumbled crispy bacon (pork or turkey) drizzled with Smoky Sauce is superb on toasted wheat bread. Enjoy for breakfast or as a snack.
For this recipe, I used Wright's Liquid Smoke. This smoked seasoning contains water and natural hickory smoke concentrate. No preservatives. This is a friendly mention. Not a paid endorsement.