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BBQ Sauce Too Thin
Your barbecue sauce is watery because it did not reduce long enough. Simmer and add a thickener.
watery sauce · poor cling · vegan · gluten-free
The fix
Tap a step to check it off.
- 1 simmer uncovered for 5 to 8 minutes to reduce
- 2 whisk in 1 tablespoon tomato paste for body
- 3 add 1 teaspoon brown sugar to balance acidity
If it's still wrong
- Add 1 teaspoon cornstarch slurry and simmer 1 minute.
- Use as a mop sauce rather than a glaze.
Prevent next time
- Start at a gentle simmer and stir frequently.
- Use tomato paste early for built-in body.
Notes
Why this works
Reducing evaporates water and concentrates solids. Tomato paste adds natural thickening, helping the sauce cling to meat.