By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on September 25, 2023 | Last Updated on March 13, 2024
If you’re looking for the perfect barbecue sauce to make at home, then Bill Miller’s legendary BBQ sauce is sure to please.
This Texas-style BBQ sauce has been a family favorite for generations and now, with this step-by-step guide, you can make it right in your own kitchen!
With a mix of classic and unique ingredients, this sauce is a great way to add that delicious smoky flavor and sweetness to any meal.
This procedure is easy to follow and doesn’t require any special equipment or ingredients, it’s also perfect for the novice cook. So grab your ingredients and let’s get started!
What is Bill Miller BBQ Sauce?
Bill Miller BBQ Sauce is a Texas-style barbecue sauce that has been around for centuries. It’s an iconic staple of Texan cuisine.
It’s made from a mix of savory, sweet, and tangy ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, and cider vinegar.
Whether you’re looking for a classic BBQ taste or want to customize with some of your own variations, Bill Miller’s homemade BBQ sauce is sure to become a new favorite!
What does it taste like?
Bill Miller BBQ Sauce has a balanced mix of flavors. The Worcestershire sauce contributes to the deep umami surface while the ketchup adds some sweetness.
Brown sugar helps to balance out the tartness from the cider vinegar and mustard while adding a hint of caramel-like flavor.
The garlic and onion powders provide an extra layer of savory taste, and the chili powder adds just a hint of heat.
How did I first get introduced to the Bill Miller BBQ Sauce?
I first discovered Bill Miller BBQ Sauce while visiting Texas. I had heard of the legendary barbecue restaurant, but nothing prepared me for the incredible smell and aroma that greeted me at their door.
The restaurant was rustic yet modern, and it was clear that the staff took great pride in delivering a unique dining experience. To my delight, a bottle of Bill Miller’s famous BBQ sauce was sitting on each table as a condiment.
I took one bite and instantly knew that I had to learn how to make this amazing sauce at home. To my surprise, the restaurant staff was more than happy to share their recipe with me!
They walked me through the steps for making the sauce and gave me some tips and tricks for making it even better. I went home and gave it a try. It was so easy to recreate this iconic Texas BBQ sauce right in my own kitchen.
I found the measurements flexible, so I could make adjustments to suit my taste preferences. I also had fun experimenting with different variations by adding different ingredients.
With a little bit of practice, I was able to perfect the sauce that tasted just as good as the one served at Bill Miller’s! Now, it’s become my go-to condiment for any meal.
I even shared my version of the sauce with friends, who have been asking me for more! I’m glad that I was able to learn how to recreate this amazing BBQ sauce and share it with others. Bill Miller’s unique recipe has found a special place in my kitchen!
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How to make Bill Miller BBQ Sauce?
Making Bill Miller BBQ Sauce is surprisingly easy and doesn’t take much time. All you need are some simple ingredients, a medium-sized saucepan, and 15 minutes of your time.
Ingredients
- Worcestershire sauce: This savory sauce is the perfect addition to any dish, adding a depth of flavor to marinades and sauces that can’t be replicated otherwise. Worcestershire sauce has a unique combination of acidic vinegar, sweetness from molasses, and tamarind for a sourness combined with spices like mustard seed and garlic powder.
- Black pepper: Black pepper is a common spice found in many kitchens. It has an earthy flavor. It’s also known for its ability to help reduce inflammation and improve digestion.
- Ketchup: Ketchup is the perfect condiment for adding sweetness and tanginess to your meals. Ketchup can be used as a dip, sauce, or condiment.
- Garlic powder: Garlic powder is a great way to add flavor without adding any actual garlic cloves.
- Water: Water is an essential component and Bill Miller BBQ sauce wouldn’t be complete without it! It helps to thin out the sauce and is also important for adding moisture.
- Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds depth of taste to the sauce while also helping to balance out some of the more tart ingredients like vinegar and mustard.
- Salt: Salt helps bring out the other flavors in the BBQ Sauce by enhancing them, as well as providing a little bit of saltiness.
- Paprika: Paprika is a great way to add some color and smoke to any dish.
- Chili powder: Chili powder adds a slight of heat to the sauce, which pairs nicely with the sweetness from the brown sugar.
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is an essential ingredient for adding tartness to the BBQ sauce. The acidity of the vinegar helps to balance out the sweetness from other ingredients.
- Yellow mustard: Yellow mustard is a classic ingredient in BBQ sauce and adds some sharpness to help cut through any greasy or fatty flavors.
- Onion powder: Onion powder is a great way to add surface without adding too much texture or moisture. It also has a slightly sweet taste which helps balance out the other flavors.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
In a medium-sized pot over medium heat, combine all of the ingredients. Stir until everything is well blended.
Step 2
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3
After 10 minutes, reduce the heat to low and let simmer for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4
After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the sauce cool before transferring to a jar or container for storing in the fridge.
Tips
- For a smoky flavor, add 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke to the sauce.
- You can make adjustments to the amount of sugar and vinegar based on your preferences for sweetness and tartness.
- You can add some freshly minced garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
- If you want your sauce to be thicker, simmer it for a few more minutes until it has reached the desired consistency.
- For even more sweetness and complexity, try adding some honey or molasses to the mix.
- Try using different types of vinegar such as white wine, apple cider, or red wine vinegar.
- For an interesting twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sauce.
- If you don’t have onion powder on hand, you can use freshly minced onion instead.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Bill Miller BBQ Sauce?
Here are some delicious dishes that pair perfectly with Bill Miller BBQ Sauce:
- Smokey Pulled Pork: Slow-cooked pulled pork served on a toasted bun and topped with Bill Miller BBQ sauce is the perfect summertime meal.
- Grilled Chicken Thighs: Marinated chicken thighs brushed with Bill Miller BBQ sauce when grilled give an extra touch.
- BBQ Burgers: Juicy burgers topped with Bill Miller BBQ sauce and all your favorite toppings for a gourmet meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and sweet potatoes are given an extra bit of flavor when tossed in some Bill Miller BBQ sauce before cooking.
- Baked Beans: Add some extra zest to your baked beans by adding a spoonful of Bill Miller BBQ sauce.
- French Fries: Nobody can resist the combination of crispy french fries and tangy Bill Miller BBQ sauce.
- Salads: For a refreshing summertime salad, try adding some Bill Miller BBQ sauce as a dressing instead of your usual one.
How to store leftover Bill Miller BBQ Sauce?
Leftover Bill Miller BBQ Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply heat it back up on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm before serving.
If you would like to freeze your leftover sauce, transfer it into a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to use, let the sauce thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat Bill Miller BBQ sauce. However, it is important to remember that certain ingredients in the sauce like vinegar and Worcestershire sauce may not be safe for consumption in large quantities during pregnancy.
Because of this, it is recommended that pregnant women either limit their intake of this sauce or skip it altogether.
Additionally, because the sugar content in the sauce is high, pregnant women should be aware of their intake level and opt for a healthier alternative if needed.
For example, instead of consuming the BBQ sauce directly, they could use it as a marinade or cooking ingredient to reduce their overall sugar consumption.
Overall, while Bill Miller BBQ Sauce can be enjoyed by pregnant women in moderation, it is always important to speak with a doctor or nutritionist before consuming any foods that may not be safe for pregnancy.
This will ensure that the woman and her baby are both getting all the necessary nutrients while avoiding any potential risks associated with certain ingredients in the sauce.
Bill Miller BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup Tomato Ketchup
- 3 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 3 teaspoons plain chili powder
- 8 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoon Yellow Mustard (for tart and tangy flavors)
- 3 teaspoon Onion powder to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients. Gently stir until everything is combined.
- Set the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for around 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- When done, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 15 minutes while still stirring every now and then.
- After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let it cool before transferring your homemade BBQ sauce into a storage container. Refrigerate for best results!
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, add 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke to the sauce.
- You can make adjustments to the amount of sugar and vinegar based on your preferences for sweetness and tartness.
- You can add some freshly minced garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
- If you want your sauce to be thicker, simmer it for a few more minutes until it has reached the desired consistency.
- For even more sweetness and complexity, try adding some honey or molasses to the mix.
- Try using different types of vinegar such as white wine, apple cider, or red wine vinegar.
- For an interesting twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sauce.
- If you don’t have onion powder on hand, you can use freshly minced onion instead.
FAQs
Can I substitute Worcestershire sauce with something else?
Yes, you can substitute Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce or even tamari if desired.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, this sauce is gluten-free as long as the Worcestershire sauce used does not contain any wheat products.
Is this vegan-friendly?
Yes, this BBQ sauce can easily be made vegan by substituting the Worcestershire sauce with a vegan alternative and skipping the honey or molasses if desired.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of ketchup?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of ketchup. However, keep in mind that the taste will be different and the texture may also be affected. To avoid this, try blending the tomatoes before adding them to the sauce or strain them after cooking for a smoother consistency.
Can I make this BBQ sauce spicier?
Yes, if you would like to make the sauce spicier, simply add more chili powder or cayenne pepper according to your desired level of spice. You can also add some hot sauce.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for joining us on this BBQ sauce-making journey and we hope you enjoy the delicious results!
Please share this article with any friends or family who enjoy cooking and be sure to leave a comment if you have any questions.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
