Suppose you are looking for a way to thicken your BBQ sauce without adding any flour or other binders. If so, you’re in luck – because it’s easy to do using a slow cooker. In this article, we’ll show you how to thicken bbq sauce in slow cooker. In just a few simple steps, you can create a thick and delicious BBQ sauce that impresses your friends and family. Start cooking!
Bbq Sauce is a type of sauce typically used as a condiment for grilled meats such as hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, and ribs. It is generally made from ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and various spices. One of the most common complaints about BBQ sauce is that it is often too thin and watery. This can be frustrating when trying to cook a meal on the grill.
A Detailed Guide on How to Thicken BBQ Sauce in Slow Cooker
Method 1: Adding Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a thickener that can thicken sauces, gravies, and stews. To use cornstarch as a thickener, you must mix it with a cold liquid such as water or broth. The cornstarch mixture will then be added to the sauce or stew that you are trying to thicken.
In a small bowl, combine one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir until the cornstarch has dissolved. Add the cornstarch mixture to the bbq sauce in the slow cooker. Stir until well combined. Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the sauce has thickened.
Method 2: Adding Butter and Flour
If you want to thicken your BBQ sauce in the slow cooker, you can add some butter and flour. Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once it has melted, add the flour and continue to cook for a few minutes until it is combined. Then, slowly add the BBQ sauce to the pan while whisking continuously. Once all of the BBQ sauce has been added, cook for a few more minutes until it has thickened up. Finally, pour the sauce into the slow cooker and cook as usual.
This method is a little more labor-intensive than the previous one, but it will result in a thicker sauce. It’s also essential to ensure that you don’t add too much flour or that the sauce will become overly thick.
If you want to thicken your BBQ sauce in the slow cooker, there are a few different methods that you can try. In this article, we will explore them.
Method 3: Adding Heavy cream or a roux
If you want to thicken your barbecue sauce without cornstarch, you can add either heavy cream or a roux. To make a roux, melt butter in a pan over low heat and stir in flour until smooth. Then, slowly add the barbecue sauce to the roux while whisking until the desired thickness is reached.
If you choose to use heavy cream, add it to the slow cooker once the sauce has started cooking. Let it cook for another hour or two until it has thickened up. If you’re using a roux, add it to the slow cooker after the sauce has cooked for a while so that it has time to thicken. Let it cook for another hour or two until it reaches the desired thickness. Whichever method you choose, be sure to stir the sauce occasionally so that it doesn’t burn.
Method 4: Adding Vegetable Puree
Adding a thickener such as vegetable puree is another option for thickening BBQ sauce in the slow cooker. Add a cup of your favorite vegetable puree to the sauce and stir well to combine. The vegetables will help to thicken the sauce and add flavor simultaneously.
Some Good Choices for Vegetable Purees Include:
- Carrot puree
- Sweet potato puree
- Butternut squash puree
- Pumpkin puree
- Beetroot puree
- Cauliflower puree
If you don’t have any vegetable puree on hand, you can also make a simple slurry by mixing cornstarch with water. Add this mixture to the sauce and stir well to combine. The sauce will start to thicken up almost immediately.
Method 5: Adding Food Gum
If you want to add a thickener that will not change the flavor of your sauce, you can use food gum. This is an excellent option if you are making a sauce from scratch and do not have any thickeners on hand. There are many different types of food gum available, so be sure to choose one that will work well with your sauce.
To use food gum, dissolve it in a small amount of water and add it to your sauce. Stir well and allow the sauce to cook for 15 minutes or so. The food gum will help thicken the sauce and give it a nice consistency.
Be sure to taste your sauce before serving to ensure the flavor has not been altered. You can add a touch of salt or other seasonings to balance it out if it has.
Method 6: Adding Coconut Cream Or Oil
Adding coconut cream or oil is another way to thicken your BBQ sauce in the slow cooker. This method is perfect for those looking for a richer and more decadent sauce.
Add 1/2 cup of coconut cream or oil to your sauce and let it cook until thickened. Depending on the consistency you’re aiming for, you may need to add a bit more or less.
This is an excellent option if you want to give your sauce a bit of a tropical flavor. It’s also perfect for those looking for a creamy and rich gravy. Use high-quality coconut cream or oil, as lower-quality versions can taste quite diluted and artificial.
Method 7: Adding Egg Yolk
If you want to add a thickener that will give your sauce an excellent gloss, you can try adding an egg yolk. This method is especially effective for creamy thickening sauces.
To add an egg yolk, whisk it well until it’s smooth, and then add it to the sauce. Stir well to combine and let the sauce cook for an additional 15 minutes or so. The egg yolk will help thicken the sauce and give it a glossy appearance.
Be sure to taste your sauce before serving to ensure the flavor has not been altered. You can add a touch of salt or other seasonings to balance it out if it has.
Method 8: Adding Arrowroot Powder
Another way to thicken your BBQ sauce is by using arrowroot powder. This is a natural thickener that comes from the root of a plant. It’s gluten-free and starchier than cornstarch, so it works well in sauces.
To use arrowroot powder to thicken your BBQ sauce, add one teaspoon of arrowroot powder to 1 tablespoon of cool water. Stir until the powder has dissolved, then add it to your sauce. The sauce will start to thicken as it cooks. These methods will help in how to thicken bbq sauce in slow cooker.
Why Does My Slow Cooker Make Everything Watery?
There are a few reasons why your slow cooker might make everything watery. One reason might be that you’re not using enough cooking liquid. Another possibility is that you didn’t brown the meat or vegetables adequately before adding them to the slow cooker. Finally, your slow cooker might be too large for the amount of food you’re cooking. If you’re having trouble getting your dishes to come out thick and creamy, try some of these tips:
Use less cooking liquid: Slow cookers work best when there is about 1/2 inch of liquid in the bottom of the pot. If your dish doesn’t have enough liquid, it will be watery. Next time, try adding less cooking liquid, or thicken the sauce with a thickener like cornstarch or flour.
Brown the meat and vegetables: When you brown meat and vegetables in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker, they release their juices. This helps to keep your dish from becoming too watery.
Use a smaller slow cooker: If your slow cooker is too large for the amount of food you’re cooking, the heat will distribute unevenly, and your food will come out watery. Try using a smaller slow cooker next time.- Use a thicker sauce: If you’re looking for a thicker sauce, try adding a thickener like cornstarch or flour to the slow cooker. Be sure to stir the sauce well to distribute the thickener evenly.
Use a pressure cooker: If you’re having trouble getting your dishes to come out thick and creamy, try using a pressure cooker. A pressure cooker cooks food quickly and evenly, which prevents it from becoming watery.
You can check it out to Fix Tough Meat in Slow Cooker
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to make tough meat more palatable, the slow cooker might be your best bet. With some simple tricks, you can transform that tough cut of meat into a tender and juicy entrée. So the next time you find yourself with a less-than-ideal piece of meat, don’t despair – just put it in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. We hope you find this article on how to thicken bbq sauce in slow cooker useful.
