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A tantalizing image of J Willy's Signature BBQ Sauce in a bowl.

Best J Willy's BBQ Sauce: Gordon Ramsay's Recipe

Apron Ace
Recreate the delicious magic of J Willy's signature BBQ sauce at home. Made with a balance of tang, sweetness, and heat, it's the perfect accompaniment for your grilled meats and fries.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 144 kcal

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • wooden spoon

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 cups ketchup
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 2 onions finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup molasses this is what gives our sauce its unique, smoky barbecue flavor
  • 1 tbsp ground coffee adds an extra layer of smokiness. Can be replaced with liquid smoke
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1/2 cup water

Alternative Aromatics

  • 2 tsp garlic powder optional, as replacement for fresh
  • 1 tbsp onion powder optional, as replacement for fresh

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Gather Your Ingredients: Assemble all your ingredients. Make sure everything's within reach, so you can channel your inner Gordon Ramsay smoothly.
  • Chop & Mince: Finely chop the onions and mince the garlic if using fresh ones instead of powder. Remember, the finer, the better.

Cooking the Sauce

  • Start with Oil: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Let it warm up but not smoking hot.
  • Sweat the Aromatics: Add the onion and garlic to the pan. Sauté until they're soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Build the Base: Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, ground coffee, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, lemon juice, pepper, , salt and all the rest of ingredients. Keep stirring to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
  • Let it Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
  • Cool & Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Your J Willy's BBQ sauce is now ready to elevate your grilled meats or veggies!

Video

Notes

  • This sauce is versatile! Adjust ingredients based on your taste and dietary requirements.
  • For a smokier flavor, replace the coffee with liquid smoke.
  • Want a robust edge? Replace the coffee with a pint of Guinness.
  • Not a fan of soy or Worcestershire sauce? Tamari sauce is a great alternative.
  • Prefer fresh ingredients? Use fresh chopped onions and minced garlic instead of powders.
  • Don't be shy with the olive oil. It's what gives the sauce a shiny, restaurant-quality gloss.
  • Caramelization is key to a delicious BBQ sauce. Take your time to nicely caramelize the garlic and onions in olive oil for a new level of flavor!
  • If available, don't skip the molasses. It gives that classic BBQ flavor.
  • The sauce will thicken further as it cools. If it's too thick for your liking, thin it out with a bit of water or apple cider vinegar.
  • For More Smoke: If you have liquid smoke at hand, add a teaspoon for an extra smoky layer.
  • Adding Heat: Feel free to add more chili powder if you want a hotter BBQ sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 144kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 1277mgPotassium: 312mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 444IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 1mg
Keyword BBQ, Gordon Ramsay, Grilling, J Willy's, Sauce
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